Chapter 19 Summary

This chapter resolves some of the mystery surrounding Susan and Elizabeth-Jane. Michael finds himself lonely after Susan dies, and to establish closeness with someone he tells Elizabeth-Jane that he is really her father. He instructs her to write to the local paper to announce that she will now use the surname Henchard rather than Newson. He tries to find something that proves he is her father and instead stumbles on Susan's sealed letter. He opens this letter, finding out that Elizabeth-Jane is actually Newson's daughter and that his own daughter died shortly after Susan was "sold." He decides to go on with making Elizabeth-Jane believe she is his daughter, but he finds that he feels upset that his planned emotional attachment to her is lessened by his new knowledge.

Chapter 19 Analysis

This chapter highlights Hardy's use of irony in the novel. Michael's overwhelming...