The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Michael Henchard awakens after selling his wife and child at the fair.
What happens
Michael Henchard awakens after selling his wife and child at the fair. He finds his wife's ring and the sailor's banknotes, confirming the events were real. After a period of regret and anger, he takes a solemn oath in a church to abstain from alcohol for twenty-one years. He then searches for his wife and child but fails to find them, eventually settling in Casterbridge.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Consequence
Henchard's impulsive act leads to a lifelong chain of consequences; his oath is an attempt to control his fate.
Deception and Truth
Henchard's internal struggle with the truth of his actions and his decision to hide his identity during the search.
Characters to notice
- Michael Henchard
Awakens to the reality of selling his wife, takes an oath of sobriety, and searches for his family before settling in Casterbridge.
- Susan Henchard
Referenced as having been sold and departed with the sailor and Elizabeth-Jane; her ring is found by Henchard.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Mentioned as having left with Susan and the sailor.
Key passages
“I, Michael Henchard, on this morning of the sixteenth of September, do take an oath before God here in this solemn place that I will avoid all strong liquors for the space of twenty-one years to come, being a year for every year that I have lived.”
Henchard swears a solemn vow in church to abstain from alcohol for twenty-one years, one year for each year of his life.
This oath marks a turning point in Henchard's character, showing his desire for redemption.
“She's gone—to be sure she is—gone with that sailor who bought her, and little Elizabeth-Jane.”
Henchard realizes that his wife and daughter have left with the sailor who purchased them.
Highlights Henchard's dawning comprehension of the irreversible act.