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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Michael feel after Susan's death?
(a) Despair.
(b) Lonely.
(c) Free.
(d) Relief.

2. Where does Susan and her daughter first see Michael Henchard?
(a) Just outside the King's Arms looking in.
(b) At the King's Arms.
(c) At the Three Mariners.
(d) At a local bakery.

3. Where does Michael ask Susan to meet after learning she is still alive?
(a) The Cricket Grounds.
(b) The Coliseum.
(c) The Ring.
(d) Gladiator's Hall.

4. In chapter 28, why do so many gather around Town Hall?
(a) The defendant spread the rumor she tells a secret of the magistrate.
(b) The defendant tells Lucetta's secret.
(c) The name of the new mayor is to be announced.
(d) There is a large wagon crash.

5. What does Farfrae and Susan observe about Henchard?
(a) Henchard has sudden moods.
(b) Henchard is paranoid.
(c) Henchard exudes charity to all around him.
(d) Henchard is a conman.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Michael's reaction to what the defendant says?

2. What does Michael decide to do when he discovers his wife emigrates?

3. What is Farfrae's reaction to Henchard's confession?

4. Although now the town beauty, what does Elizabeth feel she still lacks?

5. What new machinery is introduced at the Saturday market?

Short Essay Questions

1. Donald Farfrae is a stranger in Casterbridge, yet he decides to help Henchard. This is not a common act between strangers as seen by Henchard's surprise. What does this say about Farfrae's character? Does he really want something or is he really acting as a good Samaritan?

2. Elizabeth Jane is very observant of Farfrae and Henchard. What does she notice about their relationship? What are some expectations that come true? Why does the dismissal of Farfrae not so unexpected?

3. A raging bull attacks Lucetta and Elizabeth. Why does hardy use a bull? What symbolism do bulls represent?

4. Lucetta shows she is capable of greedy motivations. Yet, she is also victim to Henchard's forceful behaviors. When she returns from Port-Bredy married to Farfrae, Henchard hollers his disapproval and for her to get away. When she does, she enters her home through the backdoor? Knowing what the back alley represents, why does she choose at this time to use this entrance?

5. When Susan dies, Henchard agrees to marry Lucetta out of pity. He still does not call on her when she arrives to Casterbridge. Suddenly, he is adamant about getting her attention and marrying her. What causes the sudden change of heart? What does Henchard want from this?

6. What changes are seen in the furmity woman when Susan and Elizabeth-Jane returns?

7. When the furmity woman is shown as the defendant, Henchard notices something familiar but the thought flees his mind as quickly as it comes in. How does the furmity woman represent the sale of his wife twenty years ago? How does Henchard's reaction to the furmity woman represent how he feels about the transaction?

8. When the new farming machinery is shown in the marketplace, Lucetta and Elizabeth look at it with inquiry. Lucetta describes it as an agricultural piano and Elizabeth states that it is something to do with corn. These statements are very different, as is there personality. Compare and contrast their response to the machine and how it reflects their personality.

9. When Henchard first learns about Donald's popularity, he cannot help but be jealous. However, he sees Donald as a genuinely good man who cares for people's feelings. What internal battle does Henchard experience concerning Donald Farfrae? How does he personally feel about Farfrae? How does this affect his natural jealousy?

10. When Henchard visits Lucetta and asks her to marry him, she looks out the window to see Farfrae's hay wagons. What earlier scene is this reminiscent of? What is its importance in the storyline?

(see the answer keys)

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