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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 does Lucetta do when the town hears the rumors from the defendant about the magistrate?
(a) She confronts Michael about the truth.
(b) She gives the house to Elizabeth and moves away.
(c) She tells Farfrae they cannot be together anymore.
(d) She leaves town for a few days.

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

3. At the scene of the wagon crash, when Henchard's man says the word of Lucetta and Elizabeth Jane are not to be accounted for because all women swoon for Donald, Henchard __________.
(a) Agrees with him and dismisses the women.
(b) Becomes furious at the reminder and rushes off.
(c) Defends the women.
(d) Implores the truth of the statement from the women.

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

5. What is the relationship like between Susan and Michael?
(a) Resentful from both sides.
(b) Happy and content.
(c) Indifferent since they are an arranged marriage.
(d) Loving from Susan to Michael, but Michael detests Susan.

Short Answer Questions

1. Susan writes a letter to Michael when on her deathbed. What does she request of him concerning this letter?

2. What occupies Elizabeth's mind after the celebration is over?

3. Where does Donald set up his new business?

4. What is Farfrae's initial impression of Elizabeth Jane?

5. Henchard confesses his past marriage with Susan to Farfrae. What additional surprise does Henchard confess to Farfrae?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Elizabeth mentions "respectability" several times. Despite a plain dress and a modest upbringing, she is very conscientious of being respectable. How does this regard to respectability portray her desires? What kind of life does Elizabeth seek?

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

5. 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?

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. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

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