The Mayor of Casterbridge: Chapter 42 Summary & Analysis

Henchard lives in constant anxiety that Newson will return to Casterbridge, but as time wears on and he does not, Henchard grows increasingly dependent upon Elizabeth-Jane’s care and love. Farfrae’s initial instinct to seek revenge upon the leaders of the skimmington-ride is tempered by his realization that to make too much of Lucetta’s history will harm himself and Henchard, as well. The outcome of the event is therefore regarded as an unintended and unfortunate accident. Henchard accepts the small seed business purchased for him by Farfrae and the members of the council.

With time, Farfrae is able to put Lucetta’s life and death into perspective, realizing that with the revelation of her history, which would have occurred some day, life with her could never have been the same. By the end of the year, Henchard’s seed business is doing very well. Elizabeth-Jane takes long walks most days in the direction of Budmouth.

Henchard notices Elizabeth-Jane spending more money than she used to. Although her room is humble, it is filled with books, many of which are new purchases. She also buys an expensive muff, which he comments upon. Henchard wonders about this, but is distracted by another concern about Elizabeth-Jane when he observes Farfrae looking at her one day. He remembers that Farfrae once showed interest in Elizabeth-Jane in the past, but he hates the idea of a union between the two now, which would take Elizabeth-Jane away from him.

From that point onward, Henchard keeps a close eye on Elizabeth-Jane. By hiding in The Ring, he observes the two meet and stop to talk on the Budmouth road. He feels that Farfrae means to rob him of Elizabeth-Jane as well, when he thinks Farfrae has already robbed him of so much else.

In Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae’s conversation on the road, she confesses that she likes to walk that way in order to get a view of the sea, but she will not confess why this is so. She also thanks him for the new books, which are gifts he has given her.

Henchard vows to himself that he will do nothing to hinder Farfrae’s courtship of Elizabeth-Jane, despite his thoughts and wishes. But when he sees how close the two have become, and believes they must be engaged, he cannot help how he feels about the situation. If Elizabeth-Jane had been interested in any other man than Henchard’s great rival, he feels he could have been content to part with her constant company and attention.