The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
XXIII explained
Donald Farfrae, intending to call on Elizabeth-Jane, mistakenly visits Lucetta Templeman at High-Place Hall.
What happens
Donald Farfrae, intending to call on Elizabeth-Jane, mistakenly visits Lucetta Templeman at High-Place Hall. The two engage in a lengthy and intimate conversation, during which Lucetta becomes intrigued by Farfrae's dual nature—commercial and romantic. Farfrae, in turn, is captivated by Lucetta. After he leaves, Lucetta rejects a visit from Henchard and decides to keep Elizabeth-Jane close, partly as a buffer against her former lover.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Farfrae's intended courtship of Elizabeth-Jane is derailed by his instant attraction to Lucetta, highlighting the capricious nature of romantic interest.
Social Class and Reputation
Lucetta's past indiscretions with Henchard make her less critical of station, and she finds herself drawn to a tradesman like Farfrae despite her former social standing.
Isolation and Connection
Both Lucetta and Farfrae express loneliness—Lucetta in her new life in Casterbridge, Farfrae in his longing for Scotland—and find a fleeting connection in each other.
Characters to notice
- Lucetta Templeman
Hosts Farfrae by mistake, becomes emotionally drawn to him, and later rebuffs Henchard.
- Donald Farfrae
Visits High-Place Hall seeking Elizabeth-Jane but is captivated by Lucetta instead.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Absent for most of the chapter; Lucetta decides to keep her close as a watchdog against Henchard.
- Michael Henchard
Attempts to visit Lucetta but is turned away; his neglect and past compromise of Lucetta are recalled.
Key passages
“He was years younger than the Mayor of Casterbridge; fair, fresh, and slenderly handsome.”
Farfrae was noticeably younger than Henchard, with a fair complexion and a slender, handsome appearance.
Describes Farfrae's youthful and attractive looks upon entering Lucetta's room.
“But her ups and downs, capped by her indiscretions with Henchard had made her uncritical as to station.”
Lucetta's turbulent life and past relationship with Henchard had made her less concerned about social class.
Explains why Lucetta is open to Farfrae despite his being a tradesman.
“Her heart longed for some ark into which it could fly and be at rest. Rough or smooth she did not care so long as it was warm.”
Lucetta yearned for a safe, comforting refuge, regardless of whether it was refined or humble.
Reveals Lucetta's deep desire for emotional security and warmth.