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Prompt 01

Essay task

AP LiteratureAQAIB Language & LiteratureGCSE English Lit

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:

> "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.

  • 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.

Prompt 02

Essay task

AP LiteratureAQAIB Language & LiteratureGCSE English Lit

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:

Suggested length: 4–6 paragraphs | Timed write or take-home essay

  • 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.

Prompt 03

Essay task

AP LiteratureAQAIB Language & LiteratureGCSE English Lit

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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