The Mayor of Casterbridge Chapters 1-5 Quiz
Chapter 1: Michael Henchard, a hay-trusser, travels with his wife Susan and daughter Elizabeth-Jane, seeking work. They arrive at Weydon-Priors, where a fair is ongoing. Henchard, under the influence of alcohol-spiked furmity, rashly auctions his wife and child to a sailor, Richard Newson, for five guineas. Susan, tired of his drinking and impulsive behavior, leaves with Newson. Henchard, now abandoned, falls into a drunken sleep, unaware of the consequences of his reckless act.
Chapter 2: Henchard wakes up, realizing his actions were real, not a dream. He finds Susan’s wedding ring and the sailor’s money. Regretful, he searches for his wife and daughter but learns they have likely emigrated. Overcome with guilt, he swears before God not to drink for twenty-one years. He then leaves for Casterbridge to start anew.
Chapter 3: Eighteen years later, Susan and Elizabeth-Jane return to Weydon-Priors after Newson is lost at sea. Susan seeks Henchard, now a wealthy and powerful man in Casterbridge. They meet the old furmity woman, who directs them to his whereabouts. Elizabeth-Jane is unaware of her true parentage, believing Henchard to be a distant relative.
Chapter 4: Through a flashback, Susan’s life with Newson is revealed. She believed their marriage was valid, but a friend told her otherwise. After Newson’s disappearance, she decides to find Henchard to secure Elizabeth-Jane’s future. As they arrive in Casterbridge, they hear rumors about Henchard’s prosperity and the bad wheat he sold, causing hardship in the town.
Chapter 5: A grand feast is held at the King’s Arms hotel for Henchard, now the Mayor of Casterbridge. Susan and Elizabeth-Jane learn of his success. Henchard is a strong, imposing figure but maintains an oath of sobriety. When asked about the bad wheat, he defends himself but promises to hire a competent manager. Susan fears facing him, realizing his power and dominance.
| Chapter | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1 | Henchard drunkenly sells his wife and child to a sailor. |
| 2 | Henchard regrets his actions, searches for his family, and vows sobriety. |
| 3 | Susan and Elizabeth-Jane return, searching for Henchard. |
| 4 | Susan’s past with Newson is revealed; she seeks Henchard for Elizabeth-Jane’s future. |
| 5 | Henchard is now the Mayor of Casterbridge; Susan fears meeting him. |
The Mayor of Casterbridge Chapters 1-5 Quiz
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