Prose+Rewrite+1

In the //Mayor of Casterbridge//, Thomas Hardy portrays Michael Henchard as a prideful and egotistical man who is ashamed of his past as a poor farmer, and therefore, is also ashamed of his daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, who yields from the lower class. Hardy demonstrates the strict class divisions during this era and depicts the wealthy as cold and cruel. Henchard casts away his relationship with his daughter for the fear that she will bring him shame to his title, wealth and new status. Through metaphors, juxtaposition, and irony, Hardy contends that the complex relationships between the two characters is because of Henchard’s shame and guilt of the present state of his daughter’s character, education and wealth.

On the surface, Henchard attempts to create a better and more suitable life for his daughter: similar to the one he possesses. However, he is also ashamed of his daughter’s dialect, idiosyncrasies, and personality since they represent the opposite of the prestige and wealth of the upper class. Although Henchard is “uncultured himself”, he is still the “bitterest critic” of Elizabeth Jane (37-38). Ironically, Henchard and Elizabeth’s common root drives them apart instead of bringing them closer together. Henchard has forsaken his past, forgetting the struggles and lifestyle of a poor man. In turn, he sees his daughter as a grim reminder of the past. Hardy juxtaposes the two characters both physically and emotionally. Elizabeth and her father are opposites of each other; Elizabeth has a “humble” voice, “persistently thank[s] the parlourmaid”, and speaks in “pretty and picturesque” language (11-79). Her father is represented by “coldness” and as a passionless, bitter man (9). Both characters are extended symbols of the upper and lower classes. Hardy portrays Elizabeth as a kind human who shows consideration to all people around her including servants. Henchard spits at his heritage, losing empathy for those whom he used to be like. He chides at Elizabeth for speaking “those terrible marks of the beast” since she does not speak like the elite upper classes (12). Furthermore, he shames her for her expressive and large handwriting which appears unladylike and uncontrolled. He attempts to shape Elizabeth into a typical woman of the time. He pushed Elizabeth toward a doll-like nature: she must lack passion, uniqueness, and focus on first impressions. He views himself above all the servants and Elizabeth; he expects Elizabeth to treat the servants as dogs and pigs rather than human beings. Hardy satirizes Henchard’s attitude since he was poor and titleless once too, yet he treats all those below him with scorn and repugnance, even his own kin.

Elizabeth and Henchard’s broken relationship will not be able to be mended due to Henchard’s obsession with reputation and his resentment toward his daughter for his own failures. Elizabeth is willing to change her dialect, appearance, and traits for him, yet Henchard rejects her advances with spite. He is not able to give her the affectionate relationship that she desires; she constantly replies to him with a voice full of “shame and sadness” (23). Henchard believes that she must follow the customs of wealthy ladies during that time. Although he is attempting to provide her with a better life and more opportunity, Elizabeth does not understand his motives behind his shields of anger and resentment. Furthermore, he is ashamed that he left his daughter in a squalid pen while he has lived in lavish elegance. Hardy demonstrates that Henchard cares for his daughter, he even “become[s] sorry” and explains that “he did not mean to be rough” after he yells at her. (85-86). However, the complex relationship between the two is scarred. The relationship is covered in “small protruding needle rocks” which symbolizes the hidden emotion and obstacles in Henchard and Elizabeth’s relationship (88-89). Hardy contends that this relationship will not heal; it is bound to continue to get worse.

Hardy satirizes the cruelty and coldness of the upper class while demonstrating the unfair roles that women were expected to fulfill in society. This novel was written during a time when women were severely subjugated, both civilly and politically, by men. They were expected to have perfect and neat handwriting, obey men, and speak and act elegantly and beautifully. Although Elizabeth is kind and genuine person, Henchard cannot see past her “rough” exterior and characteristics. Elizabeth is expected to change to fit the mold of society. The wealthy are represented as cold, heartless machines that care only for reputation whereas the lower class is shown to work extremely hard and show kindness to those both above and below them.