# XLIII explained — The Mayor of Casterbridge

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

## What happens

Henchard leaves Casterbridge in secret, reverting to his working-class roots, after revealing to Elizabeth-Jane that he is not her biological father and giving his blessing to her marriage with Farfrae. Elizabeth-Jane meets Richard Newson, her true father, at Farfrae's house, and the three plan the wedding.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Reputation

Henchard's fall from mayor to laborer is symbolized by his return to working clothes; the town's reaction to Farfrae's choice of Elizabeth-Jane underscores class consciousness.

### Isolation and Connection

Henchard's self-imposed exile contrasts with Elizabeth-Jane's reunion with her biological father and her impending marriage, highlighting themes of belonging and alienation.

### Deception and Truth

The revelation of Henchard's deception about Elizabeth-Jane's paternity is resolved, leading to her reunion with Newson and Henchard's departure.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Henchard

Leaves Casterbridge alone, reverting to working clothes, after confessing to Elizabeth-Jane and giving his blessing to her marriage.

### Elizabeth-Jane Newson

Accompanies Henchard partway out of town, then meets Donald Farfrae and is reunited with her biological father, Richard Newson.

### Donald Farfrae

Meets Elizabeth-Jane after Henchard's departure, brings her to his house to meet Richard Newson, and discusses wedding plans.

### Richard Newson

Returns to Casterbridge and is reunited with Elizabeth-Jane at Farfrae's house, expressing pride in her and agreeing to the wedding.

### Christopher Coney

Part of the philosophic party at the Three Mariners discussing Farfrae's choice of Elizabeth-Jane.

### Solomon Longways

Part of the philosophic party at the Three Mariners discussing Farfrae's choice of Elizabeth-Jane.

## Key lines

> I wish to go away. My presence might make things awkward in the future; and, in short, it is best that I go.

Henchard tells Elizabeth-Jane he must leave because his presence would cause problems later.

_Henchard's decision to exile himself to avoid complicating Elizabeth-Jane's life._

> He went on till he came to the first milestone, which stood in the bank, halfway up a steep hill. He rested his basket on the top of the stone, placed his elbows on it, and gave way to a convulsive twitch, which was worse than a sob, because it was so hard and so dry.

Henchard stops at a milestone and suffers a dry, convulsive sob of anguish.

_Henchard's emotional breakdown as he leaves Casterbridge._

> In the armchair sat the broad-faced genial man who had called on Henchard on a memorable morning between one and two years before this time... It was Richard Newson.

Elizabeth-Jane finds Richard Newson, her biological father, waiting in Farfrae's sitting room.

_The reunion of Elizabeth-Jane with her true father, Richard Newson._

## Links

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