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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. Henchard confesses his past marriage with Susan to Farfrae. What additional surprise does Henchard confess to Farfrae?
(a) Henchard knows the wheat is bad when he sells it.
(b) Henchard is having an affair with a woman from Jersey.
(c) Henchard secretly drinks.
(d) A Jersey woman is blackmailing him about his past.

2. What does Elizabeth notice about the backdoor of Miss Templeman's home?
(a) The alley entrance is as bright as the front entrance.
(b) It faces the marketplace.
(c) It is hidden behind a curtain.
(d) The keystone is a disfigured mask.

3. How does Henchard's demeanor toward Elizabeth change when he hears Susan is alive?
(a) He becomes even more distant.
(b) He gets upset.
(c) He is speechless.
(d) He is affectionate and kind.

4. What is Henchard's impression of the new machinery?
(a) He is ecstatic that only the richer like himself can afford it.
(b) He believes it revolutionizes farming.
(c) He is dubious, but is willing to give it a try.
(d) He believes it is useless.

5. What does Michael decide to do when he discovers his wife emigrates?
(a) Go back to the furmity woman.
(b) Settle in Casterbridge.
(c) Save money to follow on the boat.
(d) Find a new wife.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Where does Donald set up his new business?

3. In chapter 24, what makes Elizabeth upset?

4. What does Lucetta request from Henchard?

5. What does Henchard suggest to announce in the paper?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. At first request, Michael is agreeable to let Elizabeth leave and gain independence. But when the time comes for her to leave, he gets angry and flustered at the idea. Why does Henchard react with such contradiction?

3. Although Hardy reveals that Henchard is not in love with Susan, he feels defensive when the boys around town call Susan, "The Ghost". Does he really love her and does not know it? Is he defensive to protect his own name? Is Henchard a better man that he reveals himself to be?

4. Hardy makes note that the Three Mariners sign is old. However, it is not due to the owner's lack of care as it is the lack of a painter in town. What does that imply about Casterbridge?

5. Henchard is quite fond of Farfrae's work. However, Farfrae views himself quite different from Henchard. What does Farfrae think of Henchard as a person? A businessman?

6. Henchard is a man of wealth and status in Casterbridge, yet he is lonely in friendship as well as marriage. As soon as he meets Farfrae, he is intrigued. Not only does he look to Farfrae as a business manager, but also as a friend. What benefits and dangers does Henchard risk in befriending Farfrae so early on with such sensitive confessions?

7. What is the atmosphere of the furmity tent when Michael offers his wife for sale?

8. 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?

9. At the hiring market, Farfrae and Lucetta witness a farmer who is in a dilemma. Either the farmer loses his sweetheart or fails his father. Lucetta shows concern and Farfrae offers to hire the man close in town so the farmer does not have to choose. What is the motivation behind Donald's decision? Does he really have concern for the farmer? Is it to impress Lucetta instead?

10. Before Michael discovers who Elizabeth's real father is, he wants her to legally change her name to Henchard. For whom does he want this? How does Michael regard Elizabeth's feelings in this matter? Is it for them as a relationship as purely for his selfish wants?

(see the answer keys)

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