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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 Susan know Michael Henchard is in Casterbridge?
(a) She asks the furmity woman.
(b) Michael contacts Susan first.
(c) From a friend.
(d) Through hearsay on the street.

2. What makes Elizabeth believe Donald is not interested in wooing her?
(a) She believes she is too plain.
(b) Farfrae is too smart for her.
(c) Farfrae opens up a competing business against her father's.
(d) She is the stepdaughter of a contemptuous man.

3. How are Susan and Elizabeth-Jane evident strangers in Casterbridge?
(a) They do not know the whereabouts of Henchard despite his popularity.
(b) They do not know about the bad corn sold to the bakers and millers.
(c) By the way they are dressed.
(d) Their accents give them away.

4. To whom does Michael go for weather advice?
(a) Farfrae.
(b) Whittle.
(c) The weather-caster.
(d) Jopp.

5. What is the main cause of Henchard's celebration failure?
(a) The set-up is much too far for the majority of the townsfolk.
(b) He charges a fee while Donald does not.
(c) Bad weather.
(d) The music is not as good as that in Donald's pavilion.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Susan fear about meeting Michael Henchard?

2. What is Michael Henchard's initial reaction when Elizabeth requests to leave?

3. Henchard's education is compared to whom?

4. What age is Elizabeth Jane when she and her mother search for Michael Henchard?

5. What stages does Michael go through when drunk?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Abel Whittle is chronically late and with many warnings, he continues to be late. Fed up, Henchard heads to Abel's house and makes him get to the granary without breeches on. Farfrae argues that the joke goes too far and Abel should get him and dress. Henchard contends that it is to teach Abel a lesson and that this is no joke. When Henchard sells Susan to Newson, it too starts off as a joke. Henchard and all present blames the rum. Compare the two situations and Henchard's character. How much of the rum is to blame for the joke getting out of hand? If Farfrae is not there to stop the punishment, does Henchard continue on with the lesson?

4. 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?

5. Henchard becomes distraught and angry at the idea that Elizabeth is not his daughter. Out of pride, he does not tell her after the big deal he makes for her to change her name. How does Henchard express his feelings if not in telling her the truth?

6. 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?

7. Earlier in the book, Jopp is tersely introduced and forgotten when his management position is taken by Farfrae. Re-introduced years later in chapter 26, he is described as coming from the back slum and his clothing a sign of need. Unjustly fired, what role do you think Jopp plays in Henchard's life?

8. 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?

9. Hardy introduces Lucetta as a mystery woman, but with some hints that she knows Henchard. He also describes her as graceful and nice to Elizabeth. However, as the novel progresses, how does Hardy foreshadow that Miss Templeman may not be the woman Elizabeth thinks she is? What clues and observations does Elizabeth make, or comments of Hardy, show that Lucetta is as contriving as the other characters in Casterbridge?

10. How does Solomon Longways view the mayor?

(see the answer keys)

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