Lady Susan
The novel opens with Michael Henchard and his wife Susan stopping at an inn to eat. There drunk Henchard sells his wife and baby
daughter Elizabeth-Jane to Newson in a freaky auction. Next morning repenting Henchard searches the town for his wife and daughter. Unable to find them, he goes into a church and swears an oath that he will not drink alcohol for twenty-one years, the same number of years he has been alive.
Eighteen years pass and Newson is presumed dead. Lady Susan and her daughter arrive in Casterbridge and learn that Henchard is the mayor. The parents meet and decide that in order to prevent -Elizabeth-Jane from learning of their disgrace, they will remarry. At Henchard’s estate Elizabeth is courted by Fanfare, the young manager. When Henchard comes to know of it, he sacks Farfrae.
Soon Lady Susan falls ill and dies.
After her death Henchard discovers that his Elizabeth is not his own daughter but Newson’s. When Elizabeth learns the truth she
leaves Henchard’s house and is given shelter by Lucetta, an acquaintance of Henchard. Casterbridge society in past had linked Lucetta with Henchard despite their considerable age difference and after Lady Susan’s death their marriage rumors renew.
Elizabeth introduces Lucetta to Farfrae and two get married soon afterwards. Elizabeth and Henchard make peace and she takes the charge of his household. Gossipmongers hold “skimmity-ride,” a humiliating parade portraying Lucetta and Henchard together. The event takes place one afternoon when Farfrae is away. Lucetta faints upon seeing the spectacle and becomes very ill. Shortly afterwards she dies. Soon Newson, who is actually still alive, arrives at Henchard’s door and asks for -Elizabeth-Jane. Henchard tells him that she is dead, and Newson leaves in sorrow. Elizabeth and Farfrae renew their love affair.
Fate reunites Elizabeth with Newson and she learns of Henchard’s deceit. Unable to face Elizabeth and Newson, Hencahrd leaves town. Then Farfrae and Elizabeth announce their wedding. Henchard comes back to Casterbridge on the night of the wedding to see Elizabeth-Jane, but she snubs him. He leaves again, telling her that he will not return. She soon regrets her coldness and with Farfrae goes looking for Henchard. Unfortunately they find him too late, discovering that he has died alone in the countryside. He has left a will: his dying wish is to be forgotten.
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