The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
Chapter VII explained
Elizabeth-Jane and her mother arrive at the Three Mariners inn, where they struggle with the cost of accommodation.
What happens
Elizabeth-Jane and her mother arrive at the Three Mariners inn, where they struggle with the cost of accommodation. Elizabeth offers to help the landlady to offset their expenses. Meanwhile, Henchard meets Donald Farfrae, a young Scotsman who demonstrates a method to restore spoiled wheat. Despite Henchard's generous offer of employment, Farfrae declines, intent on emigrating to America. Henchard, impressed by Farfrae's skill and character, reveals his past vow of temperance and his regret over a past deed.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Consequence
Henchard's past deed, driven by drink, continues to haunt him, shaping his present interactions and his vow of temperance.
Change vs. Tradition
Farfrae represents innovation and new methods (restoring bad corn), while Henchard relies on traditional strength and bustle, highlighting a tension between old and new.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Arrives at the Three Mariners with her mother and offers to work to help pay for their lodging.
- Susan Henchard
Arrives with Elizabeth-Jane, worries about the cost of the inn, and hesitates to make themselves known to Henchard.
- Michael Henchard
Meets Farfrae at the inn, offers him a manager position, reveals his past vow of temperance and regret over a past deed.
- Donald Farfrae
A young Scotsman who demonstrates a method to restore spoiled wheat, declines Henchard's job offer, planning to emigrate to America.
- Stannidge
The silent landlord of the Three Mariners, who draws and carries ale.
Key passages
“I did a deed on account of it which I shall be ashamed of to my dying day.”
Henchard confesses that his past drinking led him to commit an act he will regret forever.
Henchard alludes to selling his wife, a key event from his past.
“I wish I could stay—sincerely I would like to... But no—it cannet be! it cannet! I want to see the warrld.”
Farfrae expresses genuine regret at declining Henchard's offer, but his desire to explore the world overrides it.
Farfrae's ambition and wanderlust contrast with Henchard's need for stability.
“If your renovating process will make it wholesome, why, you can see what a quag 'twould get me out of.”
Henchard explains that Farfrae's method could save him from financial ruin caused by the bad wheat.
Henchard's desperation and reliance on Farfrae's expertise are evident.