Summary: Chapter XXXI
The furmity-woman’s revelation about Henchard’s past spreads through
the town, overshadowing all the “amends he had made.” His reputation
as a man of honor and prosperity declines rapidly. One day, Elizabeth-Jane
notices a crowd gathered outside the King’s Arms (the inn at which
she first sees Henchard presiding over the prestigious dinner as
mayor). She learns that the town commissioners are meeting with
regard to Henchard’s bankruptcy. Having surrendered all his assets,
Henchard offers the commission his last valuable possession: a gold
watch. Though they find the gesture honorable, the commissioners
refuse. Henchard sells the watch himself and offers the money to
one of his smaller creditors. When the remainder of Henchard’s effects
are auctioned off, Farfrae purchases his business. Elizabeth-Jane
makes numerous attempts to contact Henchard, wishing for an opportunity
to “forgive him for his roughness to her, and to help him in his
trouble,” but to no avail. Henchard moves into a cottage owned by
Joshua Jopp.
Summary: Chapter XXXII
In Casterbridge, there are two bridges where “all the
failures of the town” congregate. One evening, while Henchard stands
on the more remote bridge, Jopp meets him and explains that Lucetta
and Farfrae have just moved into Henchard’s old house, which Farfrae purchased
along with all of Henchard’s furniture. Jopp leaves, and Henchard
is soon met by another traveler, Farfrae himself. Having heard that
Henchard plans to leave Casterbridge, Farfrae proposes that he live
in the spare rooms of his old house. Henchard refuses. Farfrae then
offers Henchard whatever furniture he might want. Henchard, though
moved by the man’s generosity, still refuses.
Elizabeth-Jane learns Henchard has fallen ill and uses
his confinement as an excuse to see him. At first, Henchard tells
her to go away, but she stays and not only nurses him to a quick
recovery but provides him with a new outlook on life. Henchard goes
to Farfrae’s corn-yard to seek employment as a hay-trusser. When
he hears that Farfrae is being considered for mayor, however, he
begins to lapse into his old moodiness, counting the number of days
until his oath to abstain from alcohol is up. When that day arrives,
Elizabeth-Jane hears that Henchard has begun to drink again.
Summary: Chapter XXXIII
After Sunday church services, the men of Casterbridge
gather at the Three Mariners Inn to discuss the sermon, sing, and
“limit [themselves] to half-a-pint of liquor.” Released from his
vow, Henchard flouts this tradition by getting drunk and singing
insulting words about Farfrae to the tune of a psalm. Elizabeth-Jane
arrives to bring Henchard home. On their way, he complains that
Farfrae has taken everything from him and that he will not be responsible
for his deeds should they meet. Worried that Henchard will make
good on this threat, she decides to keep an eye on him and, during
the week, goes to the hay-yard to help him with his work.
Several days later, Farfrae and Lucetta come to the hay-yard. Lucetta
is surprised to see Henchard there. Henchard speaks to her with
bitter sarcasm, and the next day she sends him a note asking him
not to treat her so poorly. With this incident, the gulf between Henchard
and Lucetta grows wider. Later, Elizabeth-Jane observes Henchard
and Farfrae on the top floor of the corn-stores and believes she
sees Henchard extend his arm as if to push Farfrae. She decides
it is her duty to warn him of the apparent danger in which he is
placing himself by associating with Henchard.
Summary: Chapter XXXIV
The next morning, Elizabeth-Jane approaches Farfrae as
he leaves his house. She warns him that Henchard may try to harm
him. Unable to contemplate such evil motives, Farfrae dismisses
the warning. Wanting to provide a “new beginning” for the man who, years
earlier, had offered him a job and position, Farfrae arranges to purchase
a seed shop that Henchard can manage. While Farfrae and the town
clerk arrange the matter, the town clerk confirms that Henchard
hates Farfrae. Farfrae is troubled by this news and decides to delay
the purchase of the seed shop.
