# Chapter II explained — The Mayor of Casterbridge

> Chapter companion for The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/chapters