The Contrast of Henchard and Farfrae as Seen by Thomas Hardy

Compare and contrast Henchard and Farfrae as seen by Thomas Hardy In Thomas Hardys tragic novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge, the cause creates a foil in the form of Donald Farfrae to emphasize and thus accentuate the downfall of the protagonist, Michael Henchard. Henchard is shown to be an overly passionate man, who is inclined to act impulsively. While exhibiting rash behaviour, he seems to non acquire into account the consequences his actions could lead to, but later takes full office and punishing himself for his mistakes. While under the influence, Henchard sells off his wife in a furmity tent. This mistake has profound implications, for he takes an oath to not drink alcohol for twenty years. Farfrae on the other hand, is scientific, methodical and takes many factors into consideration before making a reasoning(a) decision, and this provides a stark contrast to Henchards scandalous auction of his wife. Such rash behaviour is not the main factor of Henchards downfall, but it is his desire or guilt which follows short after. Because he cannot forget or forgive himself for what happened in the furmity tent, he continues to make mistakes, impulsively marrying Susan when she returns instead of marrying the woman who he aptitude have found happiness in, Lucetta.

Henchard is also shown to have a fluctuating temper, even with those who are close to him. When he is rum in the beginning of the novel, he has no qualms with regards to selling his notwithstanding child Elizabeth-Jane. However, when he is established as a mayor, he is generous and even overly-protective of her. When Susans letter reveals to him that Elizabeth-Jane is not his biologic daughter, he grows cold and distant, before he realizes that he misses Elizabeth-Janes company and tries to gain her affection and attention. Unlike Henchard, Donald Farfrae does not shape up to feel strong emotions such as love or hate. Farfrae does not mourn or cry at the death of his wife Lucetta, and... If you want to get a full essay, state it on our website: Orderessay

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