Chapter 44 Summary

In this chapter, we learn that Michael has started hay trussing again. Although he travels from one place to another, he is never too far away from Casterbridge and Elizabeth-Jane. He learns from some strangers that a wedding will occur soon in Casterbridge. He suspects that Elizabeth-Jane's wedding is "the wedding" so he decides to purchase a wedding presents. He finds a caged goldfinch and takes it to Casterbridge to give it to Elizabeth-Jane.

Michael goes to Casterbridge to give Elizabeth-Jane her present on the day of her wedding. He waits until evening, and then sneaks through the garden to enter his old house through the kitchen, leaving the bird outside. Elizabeth-Jane is surprised to see him, and the two are very awkward with one another. She insists on calling him Mr. Henchard, and scolds him for his lies. Michael takes her abuse...