The purpose of this essay is to examine and to describe the character of Michael Henchard as well as the character of Donald Farfrae. This essay will also try to find out the differences between the two men, in particular as far as their character traits are concerned. The subtitle of the novel suggests that the Mayor of Casterbridge is a ‘Man of Character’. A Man of Character’ is a person, in this case a man, who has a good character. However, the problem is that the man is not called by his name and there are two different mayors of the town- Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae. For this reason all the information and details have to be gathered carefully in order to eventually find out to whom of them this term would apply and why.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Analysis of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae
2. The Opening Paragraph and the Character of Michael Henchard
3. The Concept of "Bearing" and Personal Responsibility
4. The Sale of the Wife and the Subsequent Search
5. The Return of the Past and the Arrival of Donald Farfrae
6. Contrasting Character Traits: Planning and Spontaneity
7. Superstition, Character, and Fate
8. Social Status and the Evolution of Relationships
9. Music as an Emotional Catalyst
10. The Final Transformation of Michael Henchard
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to provide a detailed character study and comparison between Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae within Thomas Hardy's novel. It investigates how their distinct personality traits, approaches to responsibility, and reactions to the past define their respective fates.
- Analysis of Michael Henchard's initial impulsive behavior and his struggle with responsibility.
- Evaluation of Donald Farfrae as a modern, rational counterpart to Henchard.
- Examination of the symbolic significance of the opening scene and the "bearing" of burdens.
- Comparison of the characters' attitudes toward social standing, superstition, and interpersonal relationships.
Excerpt from the Book
A description and comparison of the characters of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae
For Henchard, “bearing” things is a crucial issue of his life. It seems like that he thinks that he leads a life of hardships, and that he always has to take on a burden (like his marriage for example). It also sometimes creates the impression that Henchard feels like that he is the one who has to endure things, who has to suffer and to face plenty of problems. However, when Michael is talking about “bearing” it also often is like an excuse to avoid responsibility. When there is something that he needs to do, he frequently says that he cannot bear it anymore in order to avoid his responsibility and to shuffle out of it.
When using this strategy, Michael is a really irresponsible and selfish person as he thinks of himself first and only. Thomas Hardy was often considered to be an immoral man. Although he was not religious, he insisted on human responsibility. The characters in his books in contrast often avoid this responsibility- just as Michael Henchard does.
As “bearing” things is a big part of the novel, just as it is a big part of Henchard’s life, it will occur again in different other scenes throughout the novel. Also the end of the novel is about “bearing” things again, just like at the beginning of the novel. This creates some sort of frame which encloses the story.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the Analysis of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae: This section establishes the scope of the essay and the necessity of examining the characters' traits deeply to understand the title's implications.
2. The Opening Paragraph and the Character of Michael Henchard: The text analyzes the first scenes, identifying Henchard as a grim, unlikeable man trapped in an unhappy marriage.
3. The Concept of "Bearing" and Personal Responsibility: This chapter discusses Henchard's habit of using the term "bearing" as a psychological excuse to evade his personal and social duties.
4. The Sale of the Wife and the Subsequent Search: The focus lies on Henchard's impulsive sale of his wife and his subsequent, unsuccessful attempts to rectify his situation, driven by fear and pride.
5. The Return of the Past and the Arrival of Donald Farfrae: This section highlights the juxtaposition between the established Mayor Henchard and the arrival of the modern, rational Donald Farfrae.
6. Contrasting Character Traits: Planning and Spontaneity: This chapter compares Henchard’s controlling, planned nature with Farfrae’s spontaneity and calm, measured problem-solving skills.
7. Superstition, Character, and Fate: The analysis shifts to how Henchard’s reliance on superstition contrasts with the scientific worldview of the new era represented by Farfrae.
8. Social Status and the Evolution of Relationships: This part explores the shift in power between the two men as Farfrae rises in status while Henchard loses his influence.
9. Music as an Emotional Catalyst: The discussion details how music acts as a bridge to the past for Henchard, whereas it serves a purely aesthetic purpose for Farfrae.
10. The Final Transformation of Michael Henchard: The essay concludes that Henchard undergoes a significant character arc, ultimately taking full responsibility for his actions, thereby justifying the title "Man of Character".
Keywords
Michael Henchard, Donald Farfrae, Thomas Hardy, Character Analysis, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Responsibility, Fate, Superstition, Literature, Victorian Novel, Character Traits, Moral Development, Emotional Extremes, Social Status, Personal Redemption
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay provides a comprehensive character study and comparative analysis of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae in Thomas Hardy’s novel, focusing on their differing traits and personal evolution.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include personal responsibility, the influence of the past on the present, the contrast between superstition and modernity, and the development of character as a determinant of fate.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to determine how Henchard’s actions and character traits define him, and to evaluate if the term "Man of Character" truly applies to him by comparing him with the more modern Donald Farfrae.
Which scientific approach is utilized in this paper?
The paper uses a literary analysis approach, closely examining textual evidence, character behavior, symbolism, and psychological motivations within the narrative.
What topics are covered in the main section of the essay?
The main part covers the significance of the opening, the concept of "bearing" burdens, the evolution of the characters over two decades, their conflicting attitudes toward planning, and their reactions to life events.
Which keywords best characterize this analysis?
Keywords include Michael Henchard, Donald Farfrae, responsibility, character analysis, fate, superstition, and literary comparison.
How does the author characterize the difference between Henchard and Farfrae?
The author describes Henchard as a character of extremes who acts impulsively and relies on superstition, while Farfrae is depicted as a calm, rational, and modern "man of science."
Does Henchard experience any change throughout the novel?
Yes, the essay argues that Henchard goes through a clear process of transformation, learning from his past mistakes and finally taking full responsibility for his actions by the end of the story.
- Citar trabajo
- Sarah Neubauer (Autor), 2014, Description and comparison of the characters Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae in "The Mayor of Casterbridge", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283060
