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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. What event occurs in Port-Bredy?
(a) Lucetta sets up home away from Casterbridge.
(b) Farfrae has an affair with Lucetta.
(c) Lucetta and Henchard marry.
(d) Lucetta and Donald marry.

2. Where does Donald set up his new business?
(a) Bowling Walk.
(b) Durnover Hill.
(c) West Walk.
(d) Dunnigan Hill.

3. What inspires Michael to finally ask Lucetta to marry him?
(a) He believes it angers Elizabeth.
(b) His loneliness and her disinterest.
(c) He knows Farfrae is courting her.
(d) Michael feels he needs to do right by her.

4. Henchard's education is compared to whom?
(a) Plato.
(b) Aeneas.
(c) Achilles.
(d) Aristotle.

5. What makes Susan uncomfortable about her relationship with Newson?
(a) She discovers her marriage is not binding.
(b) Newson is always at sea.
(c) Newson is a drunkard.
(d) Because Elizabeth Jane is not his daughter.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Farfrae do at the hiring market?

2. What surprises Elizabeth when she goes to see Henchard?

3. What does Farfrae do that wins the inn patrons over?

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

5. What is Abel's punishment for being chronically late?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. When Henchard writes a note to Susan, he also gives five guineas in return. What does Henchard hope to portray in this gift? How does Susan react to the money when she sees it?

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. Henchard hears from Lucetta and believes he should marry her. At this point, Susan is on her deathbed. Why does Henchard want to marry Lucetta? Is it another obligation? Does he have feelings for her?

10. When Susan is auctioned to Newson, she thinks it is binding. However, Hardy remarks that she is not the only woman to think this way. What does this say about Susan? About the times?

(see the answer keys)

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