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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. When Henchard leaves Casterbridge, what employment does he find?
(a) Hay-trussing.
(b) General manager of a corn business.
(c) Henchard becomes a constable.
(d) Nothing.

2. Rumor of the "skimmity ride" is going around. What is the feeling about this amongst the lower class?
(a) They are ready for some fun after twenty years of boredom.
(b) They are dubious of its morality but no one speaks up.
(c) Split, with some who support it and others who find it too cruel.
(d) They all believe the upper class deserves it.

3. Learning about Henchard's lies, Elizabeth feels what?
(a) Angry.
(b) Uncaring.
(c) Loved.
(d) Empowered.

4. How does Lucetta discover the scandal concerns her?
(a) Lucetta hears her loud neighbors.
(b) Lucetta runs out to see her effigy.
(c) Elizabeth tells her.
(d) Her cook confesses it is about her.

5. What happens to Michael's business?
(a) The banks close it down.
(b) The barns and granaries are raided by his former employees.
(c) Farfrae buys Michael's business.
(d) The town burns it down.

Short Answer Questions

1. Henchard observes ______ while spying on Elizabeth.

2. What is Farfrae's reaction when Elizabeth warns him of Henchard's hatred?

3. What is the town's mood when Mrs. Farfrae's condition is heard?

4. What sort of people live at Mixen Lane?

5. What section of town does Michael now live?

Short Essay Questions

1. Michael shows changes for the better. But there are still times that Michael cannot empathize and understand another person's position. How does he show this lack of understanding that people behave differently than he?

2. During Henchard's bankruptcy hearing, Michael shows appreciation towards the creditors. Summarize Henchard's last act that evokes sympathy from his creditors.

3. After a visit to Ten Hatches Hole, Michael goes back to see Elizabeth. Henchard refers to himself as unlearned and ignorant. How does this show how Michael thinks differently of Elizabeth, even though he speaks about himself?

4. Any drama in Elizabeth's life is not from her own doing. She lives to see how others bear good and bad circumstances. As Elizabeth lives her life, what overall lesson does she learn?

5. Of all the places that Lucetta chooses to meet Michael, why at the Ring? Hardy sets it there in the novel, but Lucetta is unaware that Susan and Michael meet there before. What is the importance of the Ring in this chapter?

6. Lucetta has a brief encounter with Henchard on the farm. In her anger, she is unable to speak her mind right away and leaves. Angry at Henchard's approach, she writes him a letter to stop being so cruel. How does this show Lucetta's inability to think ahead and learn her mistakes?

7. Michael decides to buy a wedding present for Elizabeth. Without much money, he settles on a caged goldfinch. What is the significance of the goldfinch? What does it symbolize?

8. Longways and a couple of other men do not like the idea behind the "skimmity ride". Longways sends Donald away to help him avoid embarrassment. Why does he do this for Farfrae but not for Lucetta?

9. In chapter 32, what is becoming apparent of Elizabeth Jane? How is she changing? Is she the same person as when she lives with Henchard years before?

10. After Henchard's bankruptcy, Henchard becomes an associate of the lower class. He now works beside them, dresses in shabby clothing, and lives in the same vicinity. But how is Henchard different from the lower class? What large difference do he and Jopp have despite their similar circumstances?

(see the answer keys)

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