The Mayor of Casterbridge · Chapter
Chapter XXXVII explained
During a royal visit to Casterbridge, Henchard, now a journeyman, publicly attempts to present a flag to the Royal Personage but is forcibly removed by Farfrae, the Mayor.
What happens
During a royal visit to Casterbridge, Henchard, now a journeyman, publicly attempts to present a flag to the Royal Personage but is forcibly removed by Farfrae, the Mayor. The incident is witnessed by Lucetta, who denies Henchard's past significance. Meanwhile, in Mixen Lane, a plot for a skimmington ride against Farfrae and Lucetta is being discussed and advanced by Jopp and others.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Reputation
Henchard's fall from mayor to journeyman is starkly contrasted with Farfrae's rise, and Lucetta's denial of Henchard's past underscores the importance of social standing.
Deception and Truth
Lucetta's public denial of Henchard's role in Farfrae's career is a deceptive act, while the spreading scandal from her letters threatens to expose hidden truths.
Pride and Fall
Henchard's pride leads him to a humiliating public rebuff, and the planned skimmington ride aims to further humiliate Farfrae and Lucetta, reflecting the theme of downfall.
Characters to notice
- Michael Henchard
Henchard, in worn garments, publicly approaches the royal carriage with a homemade flag, is dragged back by Farfrae, and then withdraws.
- Elizabeth-Jane Newson
Elizabeth-Jane observes Henchard's actions from the crowd, initially alarmed but then fascinated.
- Lucetta Templeman
Lucetta, seated prominently as the Mayor's wife, ignores Henchard and denies his past connection to Farfrae, while being watched by townspeople.
- Donald Farfrae
Farfrae, as Mayor, forcibly removes Henchard from the royal procession and later shakes hands with the Royal Personage.
- Joshua Jopp
Jopp is involved in planning the skimmington ride as a retaliation, viewing it not as a joke but as revenge.
- Solomon Longways
Longways discusses the rumored skimmington ride with others, expressing doubts and considering informing those concerned.
Key passages
“There was hardly a workman in the town who did not put a clean shirt on.”
Nearly every laborer in town dressed up for the occasion.
Shows the communal effort to appear respectable for the royal visit.
“She was living his part rather than her own, and cared for no one's situation but Farfrae's that day.”
Lucetta was so absorbed in her husband's role that she ignored everyone else.
Highlights Lucetta's devotion to Farfrae and her disregard for Henchard.
“To him, at least, it was not a joke, but a retaliation.”
Jopp saw the skimmington ride as an act of revenge, not humor.
Reveals Jopp's personal motive behind the planned humiliation.