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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 Henchard suggest to announce in the paper?
(a) Elizabeth Jane Newson is now Elizabeth Jane Henchard.
(b) The smooth workings of the business with Farfrae as manager.
(c) The corn from Durnover are ready for market.
(d) He and Susan's marriage place and date.

2. When Elizabeth meets Lucetta on the road, who/what attacks them?
(a) A wild horse.
(b) Henchard.
(c) Jopp.
(d) A raging bull.

3. How does Donald treat Elizabeth when conversing with the women of High Place Hall?
(a) He feels lucky to have her in the same room.
(b) He attempts to bring her into the conversations.
(c) Donald does not acknowledge her presence.
(d) He feels pity for her.

4. What is Michael Henchard's initial reaction when Elizabeth requests to leave?
(a) He is suspicious.
(b) He is hurt.
(c) He is angry she leaves him.
(d) He is agreeable and willing.

5. Where does Elizabeth move to when she leaves Henchard's house?
(a) Durnover Hill.
(b) Into Farfrae's home.
(c) Closer to her mother's grave.
(d) High Place Hall.

Short Answer Questions

1. What causes Michael to be bitter towards Elizabeth?

2. How does Henchard first learn the townspeople prefer Donald over him?

3. How is Casterbridge best described?

4. Where does Michael ask Susan to meet after learning she is still alive?

5. What makes Susan uncomfortable about her relationship with Newson?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Henchard shows both happiness and reservations concerning Susan's return. Henchard plans to remarry and care for his family. However, in his note to Susan, he writes, "The news upsets me almost," and in their meeting he states, "But- to lead me into ... this difficulty about our living together ..." What is going through Henchard's mind as he learns of his wife's return? Does he love her or is he obliged to a duty? What causes his reservations?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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