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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 Elizabeth think she sees in the loft?
(a) Susan's ghost.
(b) Lucetta and Henchard secretly meeting.
(c) A mysterious package of letters.
(d) Henchard ponders the thought of pushing Farfrae through the trap door.

2. What is the cause of Lucetta's death?
(a) Seizures caused by the scandalous skimmity ride.
(b) An accident during the skimmity ride.
(c) Donald leaving her.
(d) Bear of guilt.

3. Who sends Donald to his new destination?
(a) Longways.
(b) Conway.
(c) Mrs. Cuxsom.
(d) Jopp.

4. What are the councilmen and Farfrae's plans for Henchard?
(a) To rent out a seed store for Henchard.
(b) To make him a councilman.
(c) To give back his old business.
(d) To re-appoint him mayor.

5. What does Henchard warn Lucetta?
(a) That over time, Henchard expects partnership or the truth of the affair is revealed.
(b) Though Henchard may not say a word, Farfrae hears the truth somewhere.
(c) That if she is not nice, he tells Donald the truth.
(d) Henchard challenges Farfrae to a fight.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Henchard when the commotions of the scandal are heard from town?

2. What causes Michael to see Elizabeth in a new light?

3. How does Henchard show that he now thinks of Elizabeth above himself?

4. What section of town does Michael now live?

5. How does Elizabeth address Henchard when she sees him on her wedding day?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Michael pins Donald and is in a position to throw him down the trap door, Donald yells, "... take it, take it! Ye've wished to long enough!" What effect do these words have on Michael? If Donald does not said them, what happens?

2. Although Farfrae buys Henchard's house and furniture in good faith, and offers him a room and job to help him. Describe what it feels like for Michael.

3. 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?

4. Whittle is not a main character, and yet plays a significant role at the end of Michael's life. Why does Hardy choose Whittle to care for Henchard? What does Whittle represent?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. Elizabeth is an independent woman who likes to take walks along Budmouth Road to the sea. It is a secret that she does not tell Farfrae. What is this secret and why is the sea important to her?

8. After Lucetta's death, Donald and Elizabeth are seen in courtship. Compare and contrast this courtship to their first one before Lucetta came to Casterbridge.

9. Donald's singing affects Henchard before he is able to challenge the Scotchman. Why does a song affect him? What is the importance of the particular song?

10. Henchard promises Lucetta that he returns her letters and not be the one to tell her secret. However, he gives Jopp the letters to send back to Lucetta. Jopp uses this opportunity to retaliate. Even without trying, Michael acts in a way that condemns Lucetta. How much is this in his nature? Does Henchard ever change fully to make sound decisions that do not befall him or the people he cares for?

(see the answer keys)

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