'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.
If you don't have time, you can watch tele adaption here Part 1 and Part 2. The full print novel is here
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