The Mayor Of Casterbridge

3 Pages 687 Words

In the Mayor the Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy presents Michael Henchard as a dynamic character, who, over the course of the novel, slowly changes from a selfish prideful young man into a downtrodden poor old man. This metamorphosis can be seen in myriad instances throughout the novel. It is through these instances that we can make the judgement whether Henchard is a dynamic character.

Early on in the novel, Henchards exhibits his dynamic nature. For example, in the beginning of the novel, Henchard sells his wife and child, Susan and Elizabeth Jane, to a sailor named Newson, for five guineas, “I’ve lived with thee a couple of years, and nothing but temper! Now I’m no more to ‘ee; I’ll try my luck elsewhere. ‘Twill be better for me and Elizabeth Jane, both. So, good bye!” (pg 10-11). Later on in the novel, when Henchard and his estranged family reunite for the first time in eighteen years, Henchard sends Susan and Elizabeth Jane a letter with five guineas contained within (pg 65). In effect, Henchard is buying his family back again. This act cements Henchard as a dynamic character, for though the actions are very similar, he does them for completely opposite reasons. In the first instance, Henchard uses the five guineas to sell his family, while in the second he uses the money to persuade his family to rejoin him. In this way, Henchard can be seen as a dynamic character, for he has changed from a man concerned only about his own comfort to a man who cares about others.

Secondly, Henchard finally confesses to his past, an act that a static character would find impossible. Throughout his solitary life in Casterbridge, Henchard is quite unforthcoming about his life’s history. It is only until the furmity woman makes an appearance in Casterbridge that some of Henchard’s past history is finally uncovered (pg 212). Through the unveiling of his past deeds, Henchard once again is able to be classified as a dynamic chara...