The Mayor of Casterbridge: Plot Summary and Analysis

The Mayor of Casterbridge: A Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Part 1

Chapter 1

After he had eaten three bowls of porridge (and rum), Michael Henchard got drunk. Because of that, he sold his wife. He had the idea of selling his wife because he saw a man who wanted to sell his cows.

Chapter 2

Susan Henchard came back to Weydon-Priors 20 years later because her husband had disappeared (and she thought that he was dead). Then, she wanted the best life for her daughter, Elizabeth-Jane. She thought that Michael could help her daughter.

Chapter 3

Susan discovered where Michael lived. She went to the country fair where Michael had sold her in the past. She talked with the toothless woman, and she explained to Susan the town where Michael went. Then, Susan and her daughter went to this town. There, Susan saw the mayor in the main square. He was giving a speech to the people. She confirmed that the mayor was Michael.

Chapter 4

Mr. Newton never returned from a sea voyage, so they believed he had drowned, but he hadn't.

Chapter 5

The plan that Michael proposed to Susan was that they get married, but not at that moment. Michael wanted to preserve his reputation. He didn't want his past as a drunk to be revealed. His plan was that they have a relationship for several months, and when the relationship was consolidated, then they would get married.

Chapter 6

Donald Farfrae and Michael argued because of work, love, and envy. Firstly, Michael argued with Donald because he couldn't stand that Donald was a better boss than him. The farm had more profit, and the workers were happier with Donald. Secondly, Michael argued with Donald because of love. Michael hated Donald for his relationship with Lucetta. Finally, Michael was also envious of Donald when he became mayor and got a reputation.

Chapter 7

Elizabeth-Jane felt abandoned by her father when Michael discovered that he wasn't her real father. He discovered it due to a letter written by Elizabeth's mother.

Chapter 8

The toothless woman (who gave Michael the porridge at the beginning of the story) recognized him and told everybody at the fair that Michael was a drunk and he abandoned his wife and daughter in the past.

Chapter 9

He lost his social position (as a mayor), his money, and the people's respect.

Chapter 10

Michael drank a lot, and he got drunk. He took love letters in his pocket. The letters fell to the floor. The people of the town got the letters, and everybody discovered his love story.