The Mayor of Casterbridge

## Essay Prompt: *The Mayor of Casterbridge* by Thomas Hardy **Prompt:** In *The Mayor of Casterbridge*, Thomas Hardy depicts Michael Henchard as a man whose tragic downfall stems more from his own inherent character flaws than from fate or external circumstances. In a well-structured essay, **argue whether Henchard's tragedy is mainly due to his own moral and psychological shortcomings — like pride, impulsiveness, and self-destructive behavior — or if external factors, including chance, social changes, and the actions of others, play a more significant role in his downfall.** Your essay should: - Present a clear and defensible thesis that takes a stance on the main cause of Henchard's decline. - Back up your argument with **specific textual evidence**, including crucial scenes, character interactions, and Hardy's narrative insights. - Consider and respond to **at least one counterargument** to reinforce your viewpoint. - Reflect on how Hardy's representation of Henchard enhances the novel's overarching themes of **fate vs. free will, reputation, and the damaging effects of the past**. > *"Character is Fate."* — frequently attributed to Hardy's narrator in *The Mayor of Casterbridge* Use this quote as a lens through which to analyze your argument.

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# Essay Prompt: *The Mayor of Casterbridge* by Thomas Hardy **Prompt:** In *The Mayor of Casterbridge*, Thomas Hardy depicts Michael Henchard as a man whose destruction stems not just from fate, but from the unyielding repercussions of his own pride and rashness. **Write a well-developed argumentative essay that asserts Henchard's downfall is mainly due to his character flaws rather than external circumstances or mere bad luck.** Use specific evidence from the novel — including key events like the wife-sale, his rivalry with Farfrae, and his ultimate solitude — to back up your claim. In your essay, make sure to: - **Introduce** a clear, debatable thesis that states your position on what caused Henchard's ruin. - **Analyze** at least **three** distinct moments in the text where Henchard's personal failings (such as pride, jealousy, impulsiveness, and inability to adapt) lead directly to harmful outcomes. - **Acknowledge and refute** a counterargument that attributes his downfall to fate, social influences, or factors beyond his control. - **Conclude** by reflecting on what Hardy implies about the link between character and destiny in a rapidly changing Victorian society. --- *Suggested length: 4–6 paragraphs | Timed write or take-home essay*

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# Essay Prompt: *The Mayor of Casterbridge* by Thomas Hardy **Prompt:** In *The Mayor of Casterbridge*, Thomas Hardy depicts Michael Henchard as a man brought down not solely by fate, but by the unyielding repercussions of his own character flaws. **Write a well-organized essay in which you argue that Henchard's downfall is mainly due to his internal nature — particularly his pride, impulsiveness, and difficulty in adapting — rather than external forces or mere bad luck.** In your essay, be sure to: - Present a clear, defensible thesis that states your position on the causes of Henchard's tragedy. - Use **at least three specific scenes or moments** from the novel as evidence (e.g., the sale of his wife at Weydon Priors, his rivalry with Farfrae, his treatment of Elizabeth-Jane). - Analyze how Hardy illustrates Henchard's choices and temperament to develop the novel's central themes of **pride, fate, and social ambition**. - Address and counter a **counterargument** — for instance, that external circumstances (economic shifts, Farfrae's entrance, Lucetta's death) are the true factors behind Henchard's downfall. - Conclude by considering what Hardy implies about the connection between **character and destiny** in a rapidly modernizing Victorian society. **Length:** 4–6 paragraphs (or as directed by your teacher) **Format:** Formal literary essay with textual evidence and analysis

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