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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. Why is Farfrae sent away in the first place?
(a) To prevent a fight between him and Henchard.
(b) To prevent his upcoming embarrassment.
(c) To give him a holiday.
(d) To prevent him from stopping the scandal.

2. Who is the first to aid Lucetta?
(a) Elizabeth.
(b) Henchard.
(c) Her neighbor.
(d) Her cook.

3. Newson confesses he fakes his death. Why does Newson fake it?
(a) To teach Susan to be more independent.
(b) In order to let Susan leave honorably.
(c) Newson has an affair and feels too ashamed to return home.
(d) Newson feels too trapped with a wife and daughter.

4. Where is Henchard when the commotions of the scandal are heard from town?
(a) Following Farfrae.
(b) In the loft.
(c) The brick bridge.
(d) The stone bridge.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who sends Donald to his new destination?

2. Where does Farfrae leave to after his fight?

3. What does Elizabeth do with Henchard's gift?

4. Where does Farfrae often court Elizabeth?

5. What motivates Elizabeth to work next to Michael on Donald's farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter 42, Michael disagrees about some of Elizabeth's decisions. How does Michael show that he is actively changing for the better?

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 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?

4. 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?

5. When Henchard and Lucetta meet at the Ring, Henchard is agreeable. Lucetta plans for that night to get what she wants. How does this meeting show Lucetta's power of persuasion?

6. 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?

7. 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?

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. Henchard worries that Newson returns and unfolds the truth to Elizabeth. Yet, when Elizabeth goes to Michael for advice and meeting an anonymous person, Henchard tells her to go. Henchard is aware this person is Newson, so why does Henchard not tell her it is dangerous or give some excuse? Why does he lead her to the truth despite knowing he loses her?

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

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