# XVI explained — The Mayor of Casterbridge > Chapter companion for The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/chapters/xvi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/chapters