Bionic Jean’s Comments (group member since Jul 27, 2022)

Bionic Jean’s comments from the Works of Thomas Hardy group.

Susan’s first fleeting illness shows her weak health. Bridget picked this up right at the beginning of her return and Peter also noticed it a bit later. Several also noticed how pale and wraith-like she looked at her (second) wedding to Michael Henchard, too. This fear for her health must have made Susan even more anxious to provide a secure future for Elizabeth-Jane. Now there seem to be no admirers acceptable to Henchard on the horizon, so perhaps she believed she would not live to see her daughter’s wedding day.

Letters, letters, letters!

Letters - especially secret ones - are a favourite trope of Victorian literature. Here we have a triple whammy! In fact Thomas Hardy decided that he had provided too many secret letters and secret meetings in The Mayor of Casterbridge, in an effort to provide exciting cliffhangers for his serial audience, and so he cut some of them out for the published novel. These remain though, and I think it's a great chapter, packed with events and full of tension.

1. What on earth might Susan's letter say? Might it be a simple wish for happiness for her daughter, or motherly advice, should the worst befall her? Or is it yet another revelation? Can there be yet more mysteries? Her need to leave a secret letter seems to indicate that Susan is not as naively straightforward as she seems.

2. Also we now have her confession that it was Susan who wrote the notes sending Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae to the granary together; yet another indication of her devious subtlety. We can see that Susan believes it would have been a good match between the two young people, despite Henchard’s wishes.

3. And what do we make of Lucetta, Henchard’s Jersey belle. She wishes to receive the love letters she once sent to Henchard in order to hide their past connection. The letters are incriminating evidence of what, in this time period, would have been considered a scandal. Lucetta is concerned enough about her reputation to want to hide any mark of what society considers misbehaviour.

Or is there more to this, I wonder? She seems almost contrite about pestering him for so long, but couldn’t she just have asked him to return them to her, trusting to Henchard’s honour as a gentleman and pillar of the town. Instead she “happens” to be visiting her only relative. Hmm. Dorchester isn’t really on the way to Bristol for her: it’s 61+ miles away, and even now takes over 2 hours to drive there. Might she have another motive, do we think?

In the event, there seems to have been a missed connection, and Henchard is relieved that he will not have to see Lucetta. But this does not seem to be the end of their story, as he vows to marry Lucetta, if he ever finds himself able to do so. Is this merely his strong sense of duty, or more?

And a little more …

“To respect the dead is sound doxology; and I wouldn’t sell skellintons—leastwise respectable skellintons—to be varnished for ’natomies, except I were out o’ work.”

When Solomon mistakenly refers to “doxology” he means “theology” (Doxology means a formulaeic hymn of praise.) He then continues, referring to the then current practice of grave-robbing, to sell fresh bodies for anatomical research.

“four ounce pennies” - these coins were minted for private use and were heavier than standard pennies. According to popular belief, if the eyes were not held closed in this way, there would soon be another death in the family.

Chapter 18

Susan falls ill, but recovers after a few days. Henchard is surprised to receive a letter from the woman in Jersey, whom he had never expected to hear from again. This woman, Lucetta, apologises for her past behaviour of pestering him with letters of passion and frustration. She says she knows that he has not wronged her, and that the only course available to him is to re-marry his long-lost wife. She asks that he keep their past a secret, so that she may hope for a happier future. She also wishes that the letters she sent to him be returned to her, as she travels back through Casterbridge after visiting her remaining relative in Bristol.

Henchard is moved by Lucetta’s letter and vows that if he is ever in a position to carry out the proper marriage with her then he ought to do so. Such a situation would, of course, only occur if Susan died. Henchard arrives with the letters to meet Lucetta’s coach through Casterbridge, but she is not there. With relief, Henchard believes her plans must have changed and is glad that he did not have to see her in person.

Susan’s health worsens. One day, after much distressed thought, she wishes to write something down. She puts this writing in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Michael Henchard, and labelled, “not to be opened until Elizabeth-Jane’s wedding day.” She locks the envelope away in her desk.

Elizabeth-Jane sits up with her sick mother through the night. During the night, Susan confesses that she was the one who sent the matching notes to Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae, with the hope that they would get to know each other, and one day marry. She regrets that this will not happen, given Henchard’s new hatred of Farfrae. Not long after, on a Sunday morning, Susan dies.

Mrs. Cuxsom recounts the events of Susan’s death to the other townsfolk. Susan had prepared her own funeral clothes and pennies to weigh down her eyes. The maid buried these pennies according to Susan’s wishes, but another villager, Christopher Coney, dug them up and spent them. Mother Cuxsom’s listeners agree that Coney’s deed went against the wishes of the dead, but Solomon Longways argues that death shouldn’t rob the living of money, which is so hard to come by.

We will read Chapter 18 tomorrow Saturday 12th Julyin a new thread #3

I’m looking forward to everyone’s reactions and thoughts. And if you’ve been reading along and not said anything for a while, please feel free to add your thoughts on this section at any time. We’d love to hear them!

Farfrae’s action of opening a separate and similar business to Henchard’s could be either a competitive move or an innocent move. It seems a little naive to me, that he should not expect a man like Henchard to take this amiss. I’m not sure it would even occur to Henchard that Farfrae deliberately chose an area which would not be in direct competition, and refuses to accept new business deals from his customers out of respect and gratitude. Farfrae’s business is based on both a sense of honour and the innocent belief that Casterbridge could well support two wheat and corn merchants. Yet ironically it is precisely this honourable consideration that wins customers. His generosity encourages the villagers to seek out his services.

Henchard’s anger at Farfrae is deeply personal. This is reflected in his desire to separate him from Elizabeth-Jane. He sees Elizabeth-Jane as necessarily his, and therefore is unwilling to let her choose Farfrae over himself. The note he sends to Farfrae dissuades the young man as well. This jealousy feels particularly spiteful to me.

Farfrae’s and Henchard’s temperaments are shown in stark relief when they meet in public. Henchard views Farfrae as an enemy, and anyone who associates with him as an enemy, whereas Farfrae still remembers Henchard’s kindness to him.

Their positions are entrenched, much as we were warned when we first met Farfrae, and he was compared with a young David. I said things had reached a head, but now I am not so sure. Another storm is surely brewing …

So things have gone from bad to worse, and Henchard's resentment of Farfrae has reached its head.

Elizabeth-Jane’s reaction to Henchard’s bad mood is to assume that she has done something wrong or improper in dancing with Farfrae. Farfrae demonstrates his interest in Elizabeth-Jane when he asks to walk with her, and he confides in her as the two walk together.

Elizabeth-Jane’s quiet sigh indicates her feelings for Farfrae. She is shy and does not know how to encourage him, but her emotions show in that moment. Farfrae’s partial proposal to Elizabeth-Jane is both an admittance of his feelings and an unwillingness to commit to anything specific for practical reasons.

Elizabeth-Jane’s lack of surprise that Farfrae will be leaving Henchard’s employ demonstrates her observant understanding of both men. She is less insightful, however, about her own feelings. As she worries over whether or not Farfrae will leave town, she must finally admit to herself that she cares about him and wants to be able to marry him. Elizabeth-Jane’s need to convince herself that Farfrae doesn’t care for her shows that she places her own desires and interests far behind others’.

We have several literary, Biblical and Greek references in this chapter, including:

William Shakespeare’s Romeo courting Juliet, despite their feuding families

“Jacob in Padam-Aran” - Jacob outwitted his father-in-law Laban and acquired from him the best of the flock. (“ringstraked and spotted” refers to the type of sheep)

“Bellerophon” - a Greek hero who incurred the hatred of the gods, and who thereafter entered into a bitter and self-imposed exile (Homer's The Iliad VI l. 201-2)

Plus Thomas Hardy even references his own stories with “Everdene”, (Far From the Madding Crowd) “Shiner” and “Darton”, all of whom appear in his novels and stories. Adding them here as if they are living in the area, adds verisimilitude to his fictional “Wessex”.

And a little more …

There are a few dialect words used by Henchard, which may not be obvious:

“wo’th a varden” - worth a farthing - a quarter of a penny. So it means practically worthless

“sniff and snaff” - casual conversation

Chapter 17

After Henchard’s departure from Farfrae’s celebrations, Elizabeth-Jane remains for a brief while, distressed that she must in some way have offended her father, or her position as the mayor’s daughter, by dancing with Farfrae. She leaves the pavilion to walk home and encounters Farfrae who asks to walk with her. Farfrae has just left Henchard, after his announcement that Farfrae would soon leave his employ, and he shares this information with Elizabeth-Jane.

Elizabeth-Jane lets out a quiet sigh of disappointment when she fears that Farfrae will leave for another part of the world. Farfrae impulsively says that he wishes he were richer or that he had not offended her father, or he would have that very night asked her a certain question. He is not more specific than this, and she feels fearfully shy and does not encourage him.

“Hence, when she felt her heart going out to him, she would say to herself with a mock pleasantry that carried an ache with it, ”No, no, Elizabeth-Jane--such dreams are not for you!“ She tried to prevent herself from seeing him, and thinking of him; succeeding fairly well in the former attempt, in the latter not so completely.”

She does, however, say that she wishes he would not leave Casterbridge.

At home, Elizabeth-Jane ponders over Farfrae’s unwillingness to ask her the question that he might have. She had observed his growing popularity in town, as well as her stepfather’s temper, so the announcement that he would no longer be manager saddens but does not surprise her. Yet she wonders again whether he would, in fact, leave the town. Over the following days her anxiety to know his course of action only increases, as she can no longer hide the true reason for her interest in Farfrae’s situation from herself.

Word spreads through Casterbridge that Farfrae has purchased a small-scale corn and wheat merchant business in Casterbridge. He does not plan to leave town, and has instead set himself up as an independent businessman in the same business as Henchard. Elizabeth-Jane persuades herself that Farfrae does not care for her. She dresses up in her outfit from the night of the celebration and looks in the mirror, supposing that her appearance must have inspired a fleeting regard, but nothing lasting.

Henchard is furious at what he perceives to be Farfrae’s betrayal in setting up in competition with himself. He vows that he will overbid Farfrae; he is sure that he knows his business better than the young man. At home, Henchard sees Elizabeth-Jane and tells her that Farfrae is their enemy, and he never wants her to see the young man again. To ensure this, Henchard sends a note to Farfrae demanding that he no longer contact or visit Elizabeth-Jane.

Farfrae sets up his business far from Henchard’s, on Durnover Hill. He feels there is room enough for both of them in Casterbridge and does not plan to steal Henchard’s customers. Farfrae goes so far as to refuse a good customer because he had recently dealt with Henchard, citing Henchard’s kindness to him and his refusal to hurt Henchard’s business in any way. Despite this approach, Farfrae’s business thrives, mainly due to his character, which is happy and energetic, and well liked by all.

Every Saturday, the once-friends encounter each other at the marketplace. Whereas Farfrae is always friendly, Henchard angrily storms by him. Farfrae’s name is no longer used in Henchard’s household, and if Susan accidentally mentions the young man, Henchard accuses her of also being his enemy.

Bridget: "Henchard ... is his own worst enemy...."

Pamela: "he strikes out at the very people, like Farfrae, who could support and assist him."

Yes indeed! I wonder how far Henchard will go before he alienates everyone. Or will someone or something happen to rescue him from these tendencies? Elizabeth-Jane seems so kind ... but I can imagine this boor of a man (as she must see him) might be too wilful for her, as Pamela is thinking.

Bridget - The improvised marquee does sound magical doesn't it? Perhaps this vision also comes from Farfrae's artistic side (with the singing and dancing). Or perhaps he has seen this type of temporary hoarding in his homeland, or on his travels.

Kathleen wrote: "maybe it comes from a competitiveness that was fostered early in his life ..."

That's an interesting idea Kathleen. Although the subtitle of The Mayor of Casterbridge mentions his life, we first meet Michael Henchard when he is already a young man, and don't seem to have any idea of what made him the way he is. I have very mixed feelings towards him.

In a way, I find Henchard a more complex and believable character than the sunny-tempered Farfrae, who so far does not seem to have put a step wrong (except out of astonishing naivety).

Nice pick-up on the almost Oedipal jealousy, Claudia!

And the tension is mounting for sure, Peter, with the probable prize already telegraphed, as you say. 🤔

All the links are now in place. Do have a look at the interesting thread for today's poem, which Connie leads and has linked to 😊

Modern times (so off-topic from the poem)

As Connie says, "Pummery" is based on Poundbury. Poundbury is a part of Dorchester (the traditional market town Thomas Hardy used as a model for "Casterbridge.")

In the The Mayor of Casterbridge ch. 16 thread I mentioned that the original iron age fort site has been developed into an urban area, so I thought you might like to know a little more.

In 1993 King Charles III (then Prince Charles of course) who is an environmentalist with strong ideas about traditional architecture and deplores some modern developments, designed (in principle) his ideal town. Now there are 400 acres developed in line with the King's vision. Poundbury has won many awards, and originally was intended to include plenty of social housing. But to live there is very expensive! The development project finishes this year.

This piece might reveal the mindset of residents. It's a newspaper report from November last year, about "the Poundbury controversy":

"Residents of a settlement inspired by King Charles' model of urban design have voiced fears over plans for a "wall of trees" outside their homes. The householders in Poundbury, Dorset, said they were previously promised "unobstructed countryside views".

Given that Thomas Hardy spends quite a bit of time in The Mayor of Casterbridge describing the traditional market town of "Casterbridge" (Dorchester) especially its Roman origins as a walled town, I find it oddly ironic that now the Poundbury extension might shortly be surrounded by its own wall of trees! And I wonder what he would think to the luxurious, rather privileged life of residents there now, compared with his dripping sheep-farmers.

Here's wiki on Poundbury, with some lovely photos at the bottom:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poundbury

I'll be driving through it to his "Abbotsea" (Abbotsbury) 8-9 miles away on Monday, but that's the closest I'll get to living there, and will have to remain in my caravan, I think. But being right on the coast we do have better views!

I was really enjoying this pastoral poem, describing a traditional sheep auction. The writing is so very evocative of the treacherous Dorset weather, (blue skies one moment and then down comes the rain) and the countrymen's stoic attitude to it:

"And the auctioneer wrings out his beard,
And wipes his book, bedrenched and smeared,
And rakes the rain from his face with the edge of his hand,"

Even those repeated "and"s reveal a long-suffering patience.

Then ... oh that cruel postscript! "consigned to doom" indeed. Thomas Hardy reminds us with vivid images of slaughter, exactly why the sheep were there. I didn't know of Hardy's legacy for humane slaughter - thanks Connie!

The "and"s now (to me anyway) emphasis the inevitability of it all. This couplet:

"And every flock long since has bled,
And all the dripping buyers have sped,"

is really clever I think, as the "dripping" indicates raindrops on clothing, but the previous line remains in our mind, and so at the same time we are aware of the disturbing image of dripping blood from the slaughtered sheep.

There are so many details. Every dog-owner will recognise that sodden dog protecting his rear end! And men's hat-brims used as repositories for any papers, tickets, letters, folding money etc. is very much a habit of working Victorians.

Thanks Claudia - I'll continue then, as they are easy enough to scroll through, for anyone who considers them a bit irrelevant.

I very much like all your comments, especially noting the possibility of herd instinct.

I feel so for Elizabeth-Jane, who looked to Henchard for praise, and was ignored. 🥹 Even though she's a young woman now, this world is new to her. And don't we all yearn for parental approval? Her dress looks much more affluent: I appreciate Peter and Connie's insights on apparel too.

THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE: The Life and Death of a Man of Character

3rd Thread: Chapters 18 - 27



Ciarán Hinds as the Mayor in 2003

Here are LINKS TO EACH CHAPTER SUMMARY, and interpolated poem, for ease of location:

Chapter 18

POEM - According to the Mighty Working

POEM - By Her Aunt’s Grave

POEM - The Lodging House Fuchsias

POEM - Farmer Dunman’s Funeral

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Tomorrow will be the fourth of our interpolated poems, “A Sheep Fair”, which Connie will post in a separate thread in this folder. Here is A Sheep Fair (poem) discussion

We will read chapter 17 on Friday 11th July

Before the Abel Whittle incident, Henchard and Farfrae would probably have talked about the celebration together as friends. But now there is a reserve between them. Although they are able to maintain a professional relationship, their friendship is lost. The role of organising any public celebration would normally belong to the mayor, so Henchard creates a separate event, rather than help with Farfrae’s idea.

Henchard believes his event will be superior to Farfrae’s because it will be free. Tellingly, Henchard’s event centres on physical activities, an area where he himself excels. His self-confidence continues to blind him to Farfrae’s successes and the potential of his plan. Despite having been told of Farfrae’s popularity, the amount of support Farfrae’s event could have, does not even occur to him.

Farfrae’s event features dancing, at which Farfrae excels. His dancing is praised, as well as his management. So both men have created events which play to their strengths, but Farfrae’s graciousness, his skill at dancing, and his popularity turn the villagers against Henchard and towards Farfrae. They are not afraid to express their preference for the younger man.

Elizabeth-Jane dances with Farfrae, and when she seeks her father’s approval she does not receive it. I wonder if this might cause a problem in the future: it does not bode well. At the moment Elizabeth-Jane seems to be trapped in the middle. Henchard subtly dismisses Farfrae in front of everyone.

Henchard’s change of heart the next morning is something we’ve seen before. Yet again, his natural tendency is to react in a moment of anger or jealousy, and regret these actions later. It’s animalistic, as Claudia pointed out (tigerish).

The weather is against Henchard. I have to wonder if this is Hardy once again using the cruel hand of Fate to determine outcomes. The weather is a force Henchard cannot control, and because he overlooks this, the weather continues to cause him problems.

For some reason this chapter always affects me a lot. It seems so terribly poignant. Henchard deserves everything he got, behaving the way he has in these two chapters, and yet I feel so very sorry for him, like Pamela. He seems blind to the effect he has on people. And to add to the irony, if Henchard had not been so pig-headed, I believe Farfrae would have been all too happy to let bygones be bygones, and welcomed him to his celebration with an easy laugh. We saw how generous he was, right at the beginning, freely sharing his expert knowledge about restoring the grain with a stranger.

Does anyone else see a hint of paranoia in Henchard?

I loved all the discussion about Abel Whittle, and the history of the choice of name too, thank you Bridget! I also have a thought about the “Whittle” surname. Originally I expect it was used to describe the owner’s job, as so many ordinary names were. So “Whittle” might have been a woodcarver, as it means to form something from wood by slicing pieces off it.

But there is another meaning too. In English slang it means to complain or worry about something continually. “Stop whittling about it!” you might say. And I think that fits Abel Whittle as well!

Locations

“Close to the town was an elevated green spot surrounded by an ancient square earthwork … whereon the Casterbridge people usually held any kind of merry-making, meeting, or sheep-fair that required more space than the streets would afford. On one side it sloped to the river Froom, and from any point a view was obtained of the country round for many miles. This pleasant upland was to be the scene of Henchard’s exploit.”

Henchard held his event at Poundbury, an Iron age hill fort lying just to the north west of Dorchester. Nowadays it is quite developed, with lots of housing. I've written more about Poundbury in the thread for the associated poem LINK HERE

**

Farfrae’s fete had “[an] unattractive exterior … in the West Walk, rick-cloths of different sizes and colours being hung up to the arching trees without any regard to appearance.”

This was in West Walk, one of a series of tree-lined walks which are still there, following the route of the old Roman walls.