In the selection, “ The Mayor of Casterbridge” many themes are presented. These themes intensify the meaning of the book by teaching the reader lessons about real-life situations. These themes include: fate vs. freewill, the institution of marriage, love, dissatisfaction friendship, the indelibility of the past, self destruction and forgiveness of the past. While the book is centered around the mayor, Mr. Henchard, many of the other characters in the book portray some of the themes as well. Two of the themes that stood out most were, self destruction and forgiveness of the past.
Self destruction is one of the most alluded themes in the selection. Although it can be seen in many of the characters, this theme applies most effectively to Mr. Michael …show more content…
One main example that relates to the theme of self destruction is the relationship between Mr. Donald Farfrae and Mr. Henchard. In the beginning of the book Mr. Farfrae is a big help to Henchard after a bad corn season. Henchard then convinces Farfrae to leave his plans to journey to America to become his manager. Although they had a very good friendship Henchard ruined it when he began to treat Farfrae cruelly. In the book it says, “ Mr. Farfrae’s time as my manager is drawing to close -- isn't it, Mr. Farfrae” (Ch. XVII, Pg. 106). This is an example of irony because at the end of the story roles are switched. Mr. Henchard was one of the best corn farmers in the beginning but after being cruel to Farfrae, Farfrae started his own business. After failing to manage his own business, Henchard lost everything and was no longer mayor. Taking his place Farfrae became mayor and an outstanding corn manager of his own harvest. Henchard convinced Farfrae to stay and manage his farm but in the end it backfired on him because of his cruel attitude and mistreatment to Mr. Donald …show more content…
This is an example situational irony. The example relates to theme of forgiveness. Throughout the whole book Henchard believed that Elizabeth was his biological daughter. After his wife’s death he convinced Elizabeth-Jane to have her name changed from Newson to Henchard. Shortly thereafter Henchard found out that Elizabeth wasn't really his daughter, but that his daughter whom he sold died shortly after the transaction. This goes along with forgiveness because even after Elizabeth found out about the transaction she still forgave Henchard and treated him as he father even though he wasn't.
Symbolism is also shown in the book. The first example is symbolism is the five guineas. Five guineas not only show up once but twice in the book. At the very beginning of the book when the transaction takes place the sailor pays five guineas for Susan and Elizabeth. Then when Elizabeth & Susan move to Casterbridge the guineas are brought up once more. Five guineas are how much Mr. Henchard sends to Susan when he first founds out she's in Casterbridge. Some may think that he is doing this out of kindness, or in someway the author is implying that he is buying her and the girl back from the
Self destruction is one of the most alluded themes in the selection. Although it can be seen in many of the characters, this theme applies most effectively to Mr. Michael …show more content…
One main example that relates to the theme of self destruction is the relationship between Mr. Donald Farfrae and Mr. Henchard. In the beginning of the book Mr. Farfrae is a big help to Henchard after a bad corn season. Henchard then convinces Farfrae to leave his plans to journey to America to become his manager. Although they had a very good friendship Henchard ruined it when he began to treat Farfrae cruelly. In the book it says, “ Mr. Farfrae’s time as my manager is drawing to close -- isn't it, Mr. Farfrae” (Ch. XVII, Pg. 106). This is an example of irony because at the end of the story roles are switched. Mr. Henchard was one of the best corn farmers in the beginning but after being cruel to Farfrae, Farfrae started his own business. After failing to manage his own business, Henchard lost everything and was no longer mayor. Taking his place Farfrae became mayor and an outstanding corn manager of his own harvest. Henchard convinced Farfrae to stay and manage his farm but in the end it backfired on him because of his cruel attitude and mistreatment to Mr. Donald …show more content…
This is an example situational irony. The example relates to theme of forgiveness. Throughout the whole book Henchard believed that Elizabeth was his biological daughter. After his wife’s death he convinced Elizabeth-Jane to have her name changed from Newson to Henchard. Shortly thereafter Henchard found out that Elizabeth wasn't really his daughter, but that his daughter whom he sold died shortly after the transaction. This goes along with forgiveness because even after Elizabeth found out about the transaction she still forgave Henchard and treated him as he father even though he wasn't.
Symbolism is also shown in the book. The first example is symbolism is the five guineas. Five guineas not only show up once but twice in the book. At the very beginning of the book when the transaction takes place the sailor pays five guineas for Susan and Elizabeth. Then when Elizabeth & Susan move to Casterbridge the guineas are brought up once more. Five guineas are how much Mr. Henchard sends to Susan when he first founds out she's in Casterbridge. Some may think that he is doing this out of kindness, or in someway the author is implying that he is buying her and the girl back from the