The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
XII explained
Henchard confides in Farfrae about his past, including the sale of his wife and his subsequent oath of sobriety, as well as his recent dilemma involving the return of Susan and his engagement to a woman in Jersey.
What happens
Henchard confides in Farfrae about his past, including the sale of his wife and his subsequent oath of sobriety, as well as his recent dilemma involving the return of Susan and his engagement to a woman in Jersey. With Farfrae's help, he writes a letter to the Jersey woman breaking off the engagement and enclosing a cheque. Henchard then reflects on his loneliness and the complications of his personal life.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Truth
Henchard conceals his past from Elizabeth-Jane and decides not to reveal the truth about her parentage, prioritizing reputation over honesty.
Fate and Consequence
Henchard's past actions—selling his wife and his affair in Jersey—lead to a tangled web of obligations and heartbreak, showing the inescapable consequences of his choices.
Love and Marriage
The chapter explores marriage as a duty and a social contract rather than a romantic ideal, as Henchard chooses Susan over the Jersey woman out of obligation.
Characters to notice
- Michael Henchard
Reveals his past to Farfrae, including the sale of his wife and his oath; struggles with the moral dilemma of choosing between Susan and the Jersey woman.
- Donald Farfrae
Listens to Henchard's confession, helps draft a letter to the Jersey woman, and shows concern for the complicated situation.
- Susan Henchard
Mentioned as having returned to Henchard; he plans to remarry her to protect their daughter's respect.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Referred to as Henchard's daughter, who believes the sailor is her father; Henchard refuses to tell her the truth.
Key passages
“I have kept my oath for nineteen years... I have risen to what you see me now.”
Henchard tells Farfrae that he has remained sober for nineteen years as promised, and through that discipline he has become the Mayor.
Highlights Henchard's pride in his self-imposed penance and his rise in social status.
“Now see what injury a man may cause around him!”
Henchard laments the harm his actions have done to both Susan and the Jersey woman.
Reflects Henchard's growing awareness of the consequences of his past behavior.
“I am a lonely man, Farfrae: I have nobody else to speak to; and why shouldn’t I tell it to ’ee?”
Henchard confesses his isolation and his need for a confidant, leading him to share his secrets with Farfrae.
Emphasizes Henchard's loneliness and his trust in Farfrae as a new friend.