The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Elizabeth-Jane meets a mysterious, well-dressed lady at her mother's grave and is offered a position as housekeeper and companion.
What happens
Elizabeth-Jane meets a mysterious, well-dressed lady at her mother's grave and is offered a position as housekeeper and companion. Meanwhile, Henchard's political fortunes decline as he is not elected alderman, and his resentment towards Elizabeth-Jane grows. He writes to Farfrae withdrawing his objection to the courtship, but Elizabeth-Jane remains despondent.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Reputation
Elizabeth-Jane's rural speech and past work as a waiting-maid cause Henchard shame, reflecting the importance of social standing and reputation in Casterbridge.
Isolation and Connection
Elizabeth-Jane feels isolated and wishes for death, but finds a potential connection with the mysterious lady who offers her a new life.
Deception and Truth
Elizabeth-Jane omits the sale at the fair from her life story, and Henchard's letter to Farfrae hides his true motives, highlighting themes of hidden truths.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Visits her mother's grave, meets the mysterious lady, and is offered a position as companion. Later, she is scolded by Henchard for using rural language.
- Michael Henchard
Angry over not being elected alderman and Elizabeth-Jane's perceived social missteps; writes to Farfrae withdrawing his objection to courtship.
- Lucetta Templeman
The mysterious lady at the churchyard, later revealed to be Lucetta, who offers Elizabeth-Jane a position and shows interest in her story.
- Donald Farfrae
Mentioned as likely to become a council member; passes by the churchyard without noticing Elizabeth-Jane; recipient of Henchard's letter withdrawing objection.
- Susan Henchard
Deceased; her grave is the setting for Elizabeth-Jane's meetings with Lucetta.
Key passages
“I don’t know how to return,” she murmured. “I think of going away. But what can I do? Where can I go?””
Elizabeth-Jane expresses her despair and desire to leave her home, feeling trapped and without options.
Highlights Elizabeth-Jane's sense of isolation and desperation.
“That dinner at the King’s Arms with his friends had been Henchard’s Austerlitz: he had had his successes since, but his course had not been upward.”
The narrator compares Henchard's past triumph at the King's Arms dinner to Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, noting that his fortunes have since declined.
Illustrates Henchard's fall from grace and the turning point in his life.
“I won’t have you talk like that!” he thundered. “ ‘Leery,’ indeed. One would think you worked upon a farm!”
Henchard angrily criticizes Elizabeth-Jane for using rural slang, associating it with low social status.
Shows Henchard's obsession with social propriety and his harsh treatment of Elizabeth-Jane.