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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What makes Henchard change his mind about his fight even before it begins?

2. What does Henchard do with his gift for Elizabeth?

3. What does Michael do with his last possessions?

4. Who does Michael turn to when he goes bankrupt?

5. What image does Henchard see at Ten Hatches Hole?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Henchard goes bankrupt and feels shame, he turns to Jopp. Despite his harsh behavior towards Jopp, why does Henchard turn to him?

2. 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?

3. 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?

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. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. Describe the relationship between the classes. How are they related to one another? Does one depend on the other? Are they co-dependent? Do they interact with one another? If so, how? What is different between the two classes? Can one move between the classes? How so? Who is an example?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Henchard is different than Donald, yet Donald's life seems to follow the same pattern as Henchard. Compare and contrast their lives and how the results may or may not end the same.

Essay Topic 2

Several times throughout the novel, Hardy describes Henchard's dark eyes with a glint of red. Solomon describes Henchard's expression after his wedding as an ambiguous gaze with one moment of satisfaction, another fiery disdain. How do the colors Hardy uses relate to the description of Henchard's gaze? Why does Henchard have such a gaze as he exits the church?

Essay Topic 3

Michael Henchard notes, "It never rains, but it pours!" Although he refers to the events in his life; how does this also represent him as a person?

(see the answer keys)

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