The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy is a novel about fate, character, and redemption. It follows the life of Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive actions lead to his downfall. Summary: The story begins in the early 19th century when Michael Henchard, a young hay-trusser, drunkenly sells his wife, Susan, and their baby daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, to a sailor named Newson at a country fair. The next morning, he regrets his actions and vows not to drink for 21 years. Years later, Henchard has become a wealthy grain merchant and the respected mayor of Casterbridge. When Susan and Elizabeth-Jane return after Newson’s presumed death, Henchard tries to make amends by remarrying Susan and accepting Elizabeth-Jane as his daughter. However, Susan dies soon after, leaving a letter revealing that Elizabeth-Jane is actually Newson’s daughter, not Henchard’s. Henchard’s fortunes begin to decline with the arrival of Donald Farfrae, a charming and capable young Scotsman. Henchard initially befriends Farfrae and makes him his business manager, but jealousy and pride turn them into rivals. Farfrae’s success contrasts with Henchard’s decline—his business fails, and he loses his status in the town. As Henchard’s life unravels, Newson reappears to reclaim Elizabeth-Jane. Henchard, desperate to keep her, lies and says she is dead. When the truth comes out, Elizabeth-Jane rejects him, choosing to stay with Newson and marry Farfrae. Henchard, now alone and destitute, leaves Casterbridge. He dies in isolation, and his final wish—that no one remember him—is fulfilled, marking the tragic end of a man undone by his own flaws. Themes: • Fate and Free Will: Henchard’s downfall seems inevitable due to his impulsive nature. • Character and Consequences: His pride, temper, and inability to change lead to his ruin. • Redemption and Isolation: Henchard seeks redemption but is ultimately left alone.