The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
III explained
Susan Henchard, now calling herself Mrs.
What happens
Susan Henchard, now calling herself Mrs. Newson, returns to the fair at Weydon-Priors with her daughter Elizabeth-Jane, eighteen years after Henchard sold her. The fair has declined, and Susan seeks information about Henchard's whereabouts from the old furmity woman, who recalls that Henchard said he was going to Casterbridge. Susan decides they will go there.
Themes in this chapter
Change vs. Tradition
The fair has diminished, with mechanical improvements and fewer stalls, symbolizing the erosion of old customs and the passage of time.
Deception and Truth
Susan conceals her true identity and the circumstances of her past from Elizabeth-Jane, while seeking the truth about Henchard.
Characters to notice
- Susan Henchard
Now calling herself Mrs. Newson, she returns to the fair with her daughter, seeking information about Michael Henchard.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Susan's grown-up daughter, about eighteen, accompanies her mother to the fair and is unaware of her true parentage.
- Michael Henchard
Mentioned as the man who sold his wife at the fair eighteen years ago and left word he was going to Casterbridge.
- Richard Newson
Deceased mariner, remembered by Elizabeth-Jane as her father; his memory is honored with a mourning card.
Key passages
“The high road into the village of Weydon-Priors was again carpeted with dust. The trees had put on as of yore their aspect of dingy green, and where the Henchard family of three had once walked along, two persons not unconnected with the family walked now.”
The dusty road to Weydon-Priors looked much the same as before, but now only two people walked where once three had walked.
The scene echoes the opening of the novel, highlighting the passage of time and the reduced family.
“People at fairs change like the leaves of trees; and I daresay you are the only one here today who was here all those years ago.”
People at fairs come and go like leaves in autumn; you might be the only one who remembers this place from years past.
Elizabeth-Jane reflects on the transient nature of fairgoers, unaware of her mother's personal history.
“The only reason why I can mind the man is that he came back here to the next year's fair, and told me quite private-like that if a woman ever asked for him I was to say he had gone to—where?—Casterbridge—yes—to Casterbridge, said he.”
The only reason I remember the man is that he returned the next year and told me in secret that if any woman inquired, I should say he had gone to Casterbridge.
The furmity woman recalls Henchard's instructions, which guide Susan's journey.