Hardy originally subtitled The Mayor of Casterbridge "A Story of a Man of Character." What is meant by the phrase "a man of character?" Do you think it was an appropriate subtitle for the novel? Explain your answer.

Compare and contrast Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae. What traits do they have in common, and what differences are there between the two men?

Name a single character trait that you think is the cause of Michael's downfall and explain why you think that trait, above all others, is Michael's tragic weakness.

In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Susan allows herself to be "sold" and willingly goes with the man who has "bought" her. What else might Susan have done? What alternatives did she have? Do some research about rural life in England at the time, and list only alternatives that were realistically available to...