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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. Now in Casterbridge, what does Lucetta expect from Henchard?
(a) A share in his business.
(b) Courtship and marriage.
(c) Monetary compensation.
(d) For Michael to treat Elizabeth well.

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

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

4. What occupies Elizabeth's mind after the celebration is over?
(a) The failure of her father's celebration.
(b) Donald Farfrae.
(c) The music and the dancing.
(d) The quarrel between Henchard and Farfrae.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Lucetta request from Henchard?

3. What event occurs in Port-Bredy?

4. How does Susan feel about the choreographed courtship?

5. What causes Lucetta to change her mind about marrying Henchard?

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. When the furmity woman is shown as the defendant, Henchard notices something familiar but the thought flees his mind as quickly as it comes in. How does the furmity woman represent the sale of his wife twenty years ago? How does Henchard's reaction to the furmity woman represent how he feels about the transaction?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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?

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. 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?

9. What changes are seen in the furmity woman when Susan and Elizabeth-Jane returns?

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

(see the answer keys)

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