Chapter 37 Summary

In this chapter, the townsfolk learn that royalty will be passing through town, and council plans a small ceremony to greet the unnamed "Royal Personage." Michael approaches the council and asks to be a part of the ceremony, but Farfrae in his new role as Mayor refuses. Michael decides to take matters into his own hands, and appears before the Royal Personage waving a flag and holding his hand out. Mayor Farfrae is concerned that Michael may ruin the ceremony, so he pushes him out of the way roughly. Michael is embarrassed and vows revenge.

The townsfolk are abuzz with shock, noting that Michael was the one who helped Farfrae get started in business, not deserving to be treated roughly. Lucetta disagrees when she overhears this, even though she was not around when Farfrae first arrived in Casterbridge. We then see Jopp getting...