View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Michael do for a living?

2. Now in Casterbridge, what does Lucetta expect from Henchard?

3. Michael allows Farfrae to court Elizabeth under what condition?

4. Where does Michael ask Susan to meet after learning she is still alive?

5. What is Michael's reaction to what the defendant says?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the atmosphere of the furmity tent when Michael offers his wife for sale?

2. Donald Farfrae is a stranger in Casterbridge, yet he decides to help Henchard. This is not a common act between strangers as seen by Henchard's surprise. What does this say about Farfrae's character? Does he really want something or is he really acting as a good Samaritan?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. Henchard hears from Lucetta and believes he should marry her. At this point, Susan is on her deathbed. Why does Henchard want to marry Lucetta? Is it another obligation? Does he have feelings for her?

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. 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?

8. Henchard is a man of wealth and status in Casterbridge, yet he is lonely in friendship as well as marriage. As soon as he meets Farfrae, he is intrigued. Not only does he look to Farfrae as a business manager, but also as a friend. What benefits and dangers does Henchard risk in befriending Farfrae so early on with such sensitive confessions?

9. Although Hardy reveals that Henchard is not in love with Susan, he feels defensive when the boys around town call Susan, "The Ghost". Does he really love her and does not know it? Is he defensive to protect his own name? Is Henchard a better man that he reveals himself to be?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although there is resentment towards the upper class from the lower class, there is a sense of forgiveness amongst them. Why are the lower class so much more forgiving to one another? Why do the upper class lack this sense of unity within the class?

Essay Topic 2

Michael Henchard notes, "It never rains, but it pours!" Although he refers to the events in his life; how does this also represent him as a person?

Essay Topic 3

Up to chapter 16, Hardy portrays Michael as tyrannical, fiery, and impulsive. However, when the tide turns on Henchard and the people no longer admire him with Donald in town, Hardy shows some of the good side of Henchard. Henchard plans a free celebration, and when it rains on him, he is noted to give the food to the poor and not to waste. Henchard is also noted to help out Abel's mother, despite punishing him later for his lateness. Write about why Hardy displays this side of Henchard. Is it to gain pity for Michael? Is he trying to evoke emotions from the readers toward Henchard? What kind of character does Hardy want to exhibit in Henchard? Is Michael a stereotypical antagonist? Or is there more complexity and depth?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,811 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample