The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
XVI explained
Henchard grows increasingly jealous of Farfrae's popularity and success.
What happens
Henchard grows increasingly jealous of Farfrae's popularity and success. When a national celebration is announced, Farfrae organizes a modest entertainment, prompting Henchard to plan a grand, free festival on an elevated green. However, Farfrae's more sheltered and lively event draws the crowd, and Henchard hears public praise of Farfrae's business acumen. In a fit of pique, Henchard announces that Farfrae's time as his manager is ending, and Farfrae accepts.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Fall
Henchard's pride drives him to organize a lavish free festival to outshine Farfrae, but his plan backfires when Farfrae's modest event attracts the crowd, leading to Henchard's public humiliation and his rash decision to dismiss Farfrae.
Change vs. Tradition
Farfrae represents modern, efficient methods (ciphering, mensuration, purification of wheat) that contrast with Henchard's old-fashioned, rough-and-ready ways (reckoning by chalk strokes, measuring by arm, judging by a chaw). The town's preference for Farfrae's approach signals the triumph of change over tradition.
Deception and Truth
Henchard's outward courtesy toward Farfrae masks his growing jealousy and resentment; he deceives himself about his own motives, and his public announcement that Farfrae is leaving is a half-truth born of spite rather than genuine business necessity.
Characters to notice
- Michael Henchard
Mayor and corn-factor; grows reserved and jealous of Farfrae, organizes a grand public festival, but is humiliated when Farfrae's rival event draws the crowd; in a jealous outburst, he tells Farfrae his employment is ending.
- Donald Farfrae
Henchard's manager; proposes a modest admission-charged entertainment for the national holiday, which proves more popular than Henchard's free festival; quietly accepts Henchard's announcement that his time as manager is drawing to a close.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Observes the dancing with interest; dances a quaint old country dance with Farfrae, but Henchard withholds approval.
- Susan Henchard
Present as an onlooker at the festivities; Henchard waits for her to be disposed to go home.
- Abel Whittle
Mentioned among the townspeople; not directly involved in the chapter's main action.
- Joshua Jopp
Mentioned among the townspeople; not directly involved in the chapter's main action.
Key passages
“He was courteous—too courteous—and Farfrae was quite surprised at the good breeding which now for the first time showed itself among the qualities of a man he had hitherto thought undisciplined, if warm and sincere.”
Henchard became overly polite with Farfrae, surprising him with a refined manner that seemed out of character for someone he had considered rough but genuine.
Highlights Henchard's growing distance and jealousy, masking his true feelings with exaggerated courtesy.
“He had grown so dependent upon Donald that he could scarcely resist calling him in to consult. But by sheer self-coercion he refrained.”
Henchard was so reliant on Farfrae that he almost asked for his advice, but forced himself not to.
Illustrates Henchard's internal struggle between dependence and pride.
“He'll be top-sawyer soon of you two, and carry all afore him.”
Farfrae will soon surpass both of you and outdo everyone.
A townsman's jocular prediction that Farfrae will rise above Henchard, which stings Henchard's pride.
“Mr. Farfrae's time as my manager is drawing to a close—isn't it, Farfrae?”
Henchard publicly states that Farfrae's employment with him is ending, seeking confirmation from Farfrae himself.
A pivotal moment where Henchard's jealousy leads him to sever ties with Farfrae, despite his dependence on him.
