Chapter 32 Summary

The chapter starts with a description of two bridges in Casterbridge where the poorest people tend to congregate. One bridge is typically home to the coarsest and lowest of these, while the other tends to attract the more "polite" among the destitute. While standing by the latter bridge, Michael learns from Jopp that Farfrae has bought his old house and furniture. This makes Michael more upset than learning that Farfrae has taken over his business.

Farfrae himself walks by and offers Michael a room in the house. Michael refuses, and Farfrae reveals that he bought the furniture so that Michael could choose from anything that had been his favorites. In the next little while, Michael becomes ill from damp weather and exposure to the elements. Elizabeth-Jane nurses him back to health. Following his illness, Farfrae provides him with a job as a corn...