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I have been reading your blog and musings but have yet to comment. On your review of 'The Mayor of Casterbridge,' I felt to say something. I was mesmerized by Michael Henchard's character because of my strong will father's addiction to alcohol.
I tried to post a comment twice, but the comment didn't go through; I am sending an email to clarify 2 points.
1. Your review leaves the impression that Donald Farfrae was a clever, manipulative man. I'm afraid I have to disagree. I think he was just too naive or, let's say, a shallow fellow who failed to understand the depth of Michael Henchard's personality. He didn't mean harm, but due to his young, ambitious nature, he could not realize the ills he brought into Michael Henchard's life. We learned from him that the depth of character is different from living a regular superficial life!
2. Michael Henchard's character is all about intensity. He is a good man but of intense emotions. He loves, hates, and acts with intensity. Intensity is a double edge sword. Intensity brings massive depth in character and the strength to do the right things irrespective of consequences. Still, it rattles and rocks own and many lives around—many geniuses, as we know in history.
Portraying the complex interaction of these two characters from everyday life in conjunction with three different women, like, innocent Elizabeth-Jane, womanly as a woman can be Lucetta, and motherly Susan, makes this novel a classic.
'The Mayor of Casterbridge' is said to be Thomas Hardy's best work, first published in 1886 and later had subsequent editions.
'The Mayor of Casterbridge' revolves around the controversial character of Michael Henchard, whom Thomas Hardy continues to argue as a man of character despite his horrible mistakes in life.
Michael Henchard is an emotional man addicted to alcohol and, one day, under the influence of alcohol, sells his wife and an infant child in an auction for five guineas. That's how the novel opens. Later in the story, he tries to reincarnate into a respectful man, intervening with many twists. Cruel destiny challenges him as his wife and child appear again! - but was it all clear as it appeared?
Thomas Hardy is trying to say that any human character is tangled between many things like emotions, addictions, intelligence, relationships, fate, innate good nature, hidden truths, etc. The prime time of seeing the balance of this prism is in middle age. Some people pull through successfully with a fine balance,' and some just drop down the cliff!
One interesting thing I noticed but didn't read in any other reviews was the constant duel of 2 characters in the novel. Michael Henchard is an emotional and anxious man prone to act on his reflexes, and Donald Farfrae is a man of good nature, mature and intelligent. But beneath the layers is Henchard, whom Thomas Hardy thinks of as a man of character, despite all his faults. It is just that Farfare knows how to play his moves. It appeared to me that many readers miss the point that - many, though they seem perfect outside (like Farfare), may have more material objectives than achieving unseen values.
This novel reminded me of many human beings around me - and the final take was - not to be judgemental about any human.
