2. In Lucetta's illness and death, how does Lucetta manage to manipulate the people around her? How does her reaction to the effigy, intentional or not, play her "practicable weapon"?

3. Henchard reads Lucetta's letters aloud to Farfrae. Although the author is unknown to Farfrae, what do the letters say about the woman who writes them?

4. Describe the events that inhibit the law enforcers to promptly find the perpetrators of the skimmity ride.

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. 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.

8. 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?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hardy takes the time to develop the significance of the two bridges over several pages. It is distinct in character between the brick bridge and the stone bridge, in the persons that visit, as well as the bridges themselves. Compare and contrast the two bridges. Discuss the significance of class distinction in Casterbridge and how it relates to the bridges.

Essay Topic 2

Henchard and Farfrae both start from close to nothing to being the mayor of Casterbridge. However, they have very different styles. Farfrae is gentle and generally reasonable. Henchard is a fiery man that evokes fear in his employers and some townsfolk. They are the symbols of respect versus fear. Compare and contrast Michael and Donald's way of heading a business. How do they treat their employees? How do the employees view their boss? What benefits are from respecting or fearing your boss? What are the hindrances?

Essay Topic 3

Up to chapter 16, Hardy portrays Michael as tyrannical, fiery, and impulsive. However, when the tide turns on Henchard and the people no longer admire him with Donald in town, Hardy shows some of the good side of Henchard. Henchard plans a free celebration, and when it rains on him, he is noted to give the food to the poor and not to waste. Henchard is also noted to help out Abel's mother, despite punishing him later for his lateness. Write about why Hardy displays this side of Henchard. Is it to gain pity for Michael? Is he trying to evoke emotions from the readers toward Henchard? What kind of character does Hardy want to exhibit in Henchard? Is Michael a stereotypical antagonist? Or is there more complexity and depth?

(see the answer keys)

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