He has avoided explaining how he lost his wife, allowing people to assume he is a widower. Susan discovers that Henchard has become a very successful hay and grain merchant and Mayor of Casterbridge, known for his staunch sobriety. Susan has told Elizabeth-Jane little about Henchard, and the young woman knows only that he is a relation by marriage. After Newson is lost at sea, Susan, lacking any means of support, decides to seek out Henchard again, taking her daughter with her. He vows not to touch liquor again for 21 years.īelieving the auction to be legally binding, Susan lives as Newson's wife for 18 years. Sober and remorseful the next day, he is too late to locate his family. Drunk on rum-laced furmity he auctions her off, along with their baby daughter Elizabeth-Jane, to Richard Newson, a passing sailor, for five guineas. Henchard on the way to the fair with Susan and Elizabeth-JaneĪt a country fair near Casterbridge in Wessex, Michael Henchard, a 21-year-old hay-trusser, argues with his wife Susan.
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