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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Michael ask Susan to meet after learning she is still alive?
(a) The Coliseum.
(b) Gladiator's Hall.
(c) The Ring.
(d) The Cricket Grounds.

2. What new machinery is introduced at the Saturday market?
(a) A seed drill.
(b) A combine.
(c) A harvester.
(d) A tractor.

3. Michael allows Farfrae to court Elizabeth under what condition?
(a) Farfrae pays a sum.
(b) It's not in Michael's house.
(c) Farfrae refers some customers to Henchard's business.
(d) Elizabeth is to leave as soon as possible.

4. What stages does Michael go through when drunk?
(a) Serenity, jovial, argumentative, then quarrelsome.
(b) Happy, frustrated, then argumentative.
(c) Peaceful, happy, excited, then mean.
(d) Calm, jovial, angry, then quarrelsome.

5. What occupies Elizabeth's mind after the celebration is over?
(a) The quarrel between Henchard and Farfrae.
(b) Donald Farfrae.
(c) The music and the dancing.
(d) The failure of her father's celebration.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Lucetta's initial response when she meets Farfrae?

2. In chapter 19, what act blatantly shows Michael's disrespect for Susan's request?

3. What is Abel's punishment for being chronically late?

4. To whom does Michael go for weather advice?

5. What does Elizabeth notice about the backdoor of Miss Templeman's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Elizabeth mentions "respectability" several times. Despite a plain dress and a modest upbringing, she is very conscientious of being respectable. How does this regard to respectability portray her desires? What kind of life does Elizabeth seek?

2. Hardy introduces Lucetta as a mystery woman, but with some hints that she knows Henchard. He also describes her as graceful and nice to Elizabeth. However, as the novel progresses, how does Hardy foreshadow that Miss Templeman may not be the woman Elizabeth thinks she is? What clues and observations does Elizabeth make, or comments of Hardy, show that Lucetta is as contriving as the other characters in Casterbridge?

3. When the furmity woman is shown as the defendant, Henchard notices something familiar but the thought flees his mind as quickly as it comes in. How does the furmity woman represent the sale of his wife twenty years ago? How does Henchard's reaction to the furmity woman represent how he feels about the transaction?

4. When Susan begins her search for Michael, Hardy refers her as Mrs. Newson, for that is what she calls herself. However, in chapter nine, Hardy calls her Mrs. Henchard again for the first time. Why does Hardy return to her first marriage name? How does Susan feel about her role and position at this point?

5. Henchard is quite fond of Farfrae's work. However, Farfrae views himself quite different from Henchard. What does Farfrae think of Henchard as a person? A businessman?

6. Earlier in the book, Jopp is tersely introduced and forgotten when his management position is taken by Farfrae. Re-introduced years later in chapter 26, he is described as coming from the back slum and his clothing a sign of need. Unjustly fired, what role do you think Jopp plays in Henchard's life?

7. Lucetta shows she is capable of greedy motivations. Yet, she is also victim to Henchard's forceful behaviors. When she returns from Port-Bredy married to Farfrae, Henchard hollers his disapproval and for her to get away. When she does, she enters her home through the backdoor? Knowing what the back alley represents, why does she choose at this time to use this entrance?

8. Hardy makes note that the Three Mariners sign is old. However, it is not due to the owner's lack of care as it is the lack of a painter in town. What does that imply about Casterbridge?

9. Before Michael discovers who Elizabeth's real father is, he wants her to legally change her name to Henchard. For whom does he want this? How does Michael regard Elizabeth's feelings in this matter? Is it for them as a relationship as purely for his selfish wants?

10. Abel Whittle is chronically late and with many warnings, he continues to be late. Fed up, Henchard heads to Abel's house and makes him get to the granary without breeches on. Farfrae argues that the joke goes too far and Abel should get him and dress. Henchard contends that it is to teach Abel a lesson and that this is no joke. When Henchard sells Susan to Newson, it too starts off as a joke. Henchard and all present blames the rum. Compare the two situations and Henchard's character. How much of the rum is to blame for the joke getting out of hand? If Farfrae is not there to stop the punishment, does Henchard continue on with the lesson?

(see the answer keys)

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