# Chapter XLII explained — The Mayor of Casterbridge

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

## What happens

Henchard observes Farfrae's growing interest in Elizabeth-Jane and struggles with jealousy and possessiveness. He witnesses their innocent meetings and eventually sees Farfrae kiss her, confirming his fears of losing her. Despite his internal turmoil, he resolves not to interfere, though dark thoughts tempt him to reveal Elizabeth-Jane's true parentage to Farfrae. Meanwhile, Elizabeth-Jane enjoys her independence, taking long walks and buying books, while Henchard's small seed shop thrives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Connection

Henchard's fear of losing Elizabeth-Jane to Farfrae highlights his deep isolation and desperate need for connection, as he contemplates a future of friendless solitude.

### Deception and Truth

Henchard's temptation to reveal the secret of Elizabeth-Jane's parentage underscores the tension between hidden truths and their potential to destroy relationships.

### Love and Marriage

The developing romance between Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane contrasts with Henchard's possessive love, exploring different forms of love and the social implications of marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Henchard

Struggles with jealousy over Farfrae's attention to Elizabeth-Jane, fights his possessive instincts, and contemplates revealing her true parentage.

### Elizabeth-Jane Newson

Takes long walks to Budmouth, enjoys new books given by Farfrae, and is courted by him, though she remains reserved about her feelings.

### Donald Farfrae

Courts Elizabeth-Jane, meeting her on walks and giving her books; he kisses her and addresses her as 'Dearest Elizabeth-Jane.'

## Key lines

> Instead of thinking that a union between his cherished stepdaughter and the energetic thriving Donald was a thing to be desired for her good and his own, he hated the very possibility.

Rather than seeing a marriage between Elizabeth-Jane and the successful Donald Farfrae as beneficial for her and himself, Henchard resented the idea.

_Henchard's jealousy overrides his rational consideration of Elizabeth-Jane's welfare._

> He dreaded lest an antagonistic word should lose for him such regard as he had regained from her by his devotion, feeling that to retain this under separation was better than to incur her dislike by keeping her near.

He feared that a harsh word might cost him the affection he had won back through his dedication, believing it was better to keep her love from a distance than to drive her away by forcing her to stay.

_Henchard's fear of losing Elizabeth-Jane's regard leads him to suppress his true feelings._

> Suppose he were to communicate to Farfrae the fact that his betrothed was not the child of Michael Henchard at all—legally, nobody's child; how would that correct and leading townsman receive the information?

What if he told Farfrae that Elizabeth-Jane was not really Henchard's daughter, but legally had no parent—how would that upright and prominent citizen react?

_Henchard briefly considers using the secret of Elizabeth-Jane's parentage to sabotage her relationship with Farfrae._

## Links

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