Introduction: Destiny and Character
Aristotle and Greek tragedians often explored the idea that “Destiny is Character,” suggesting that fate or destiny dictates the tragic outcomes in human lives. Thomas Hardy, in his novels, similarly portrays human beings as struggling against indifferent circumstances that treat them as insignificant, much like insects. This ongoing struggle between individuals and their inexorable fate is a hallmark of Hardy’s major works. Unlike the benevolent and omnipotent God of Christianity, Hardy’s universe is governed by an indifferent fate. As S.P. Prasad comments, “Hardy, who was greatly pained at the state of things, devoted his art to search for the cause of miseries but could not find any satisfactory panacea for people’s happiness.”
Coincidence as a Driver of Plot
In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Hardy skillfully uses coincidence to drive the narrative and underscore the tragic elements of Michael Henchard’s life. The initial and most pivotal coincidence occurs when Henchard, in a drunken stupor at Weydon-Priors, sells his wife Susan and daughter Elizabeth-Jane. The arrival of a buyer at that precise moment sets the stage for Henchard’s future misfortunes.
Susan’s Return and Disruptions
Eighteen years later, Susan’s return to Henchard is another stroke of chance that disrupts his life just as he plans to marry Lucetta. Her arrival triggers a series of events that lead to Henchard’s downfall. Henchard’s attempt to win Elizabeth-Jane’s filial love coincides with his discovery that she is not his biological daughter. Had he not found Susan’s letter, or if it had been properly sealed, he might have lived happily with Elizabeth-Jane until her wedding day.
Elizabeth-Jane and Lucetta
Elizabeth-Jane and Lucetta’s first meeting in the churchyard is another pure accident that leads to further complications. Lucetta hires Elizabeth-Jane as a companion partly to attract Henchard to her house. However, Farfrae visits Lucetta’s house intending to court Elizabeth-Jane but instead meets Lucetta, leading to significant consequences. Lucetta decides she wants to marry Farfrae, not Henchard, and Farfrae reciprocates, wanting to marry Lucetta, not Elizabeth-Jane. Henchard, who has already lost Susan, Farfrae, and Elizabeth-Jane, now loses Lucetta as well. Fate appears hostile to Henchard, tricking him by sending Farfrae to Lucetta’s house just when Elizabeth-Jane is away.
The Furmity Woman and Henchard’s Secret
Another critical accident is the appearance of the old furmity woman in Casterbridge. It is entirely unforeseen that she would disclose Henchard’s early life secret, which severely damages his reputation. This disclosure might not have occurred if the furmity woman had not been brought before Henchard for trial.
Newson’s Arrival
Newson’s arrival in Casterbridge to claim Elizabeth-Jane is another unforeseen event that exacerbates Henchard’s tragic fate. The news of Newson’s death had allowed Susan to return to Henchard. However, Newson comes to claim his daughter just when Elizabeth-Jane is Henchard’s sole source of comfort, as he is ruined in every other respect. Newson’s arrival almost coincides with Henchard’s new emotional bond with Elizabeth-Jane, further complicating his tragic situation.
The Role of Fate in Henchard’s Downfall
Throughout the novel, numerous coincidental events play a vital role in the overall plot development. Henchard becomes a puppet of his own destiny, with everything spiraling beyond his control. Hardy depicts Henchard as a helpless protagonist, caught in the hands of chance and coincidence. Virginia Woolf holds that “life is not a series of gig lamps systematically arranged: life is a luminous halo, a semi-transparent envelop surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end.” Hardy himself categorizes this novel as one where several characters wrestle with the trajectory of their fates.
Henchard’s Character vs. Fate
Despite the significant role of fate, Henchard’s character flaws—his pride, impulsiveness, and inability to make balanced decisions—play a crucial part in his downfall. William R. Rutland notes that while Henchard’s character plays a greater role than fate, his will is ultimately overruled by fate itself. This interplay between character and destiny underscores the tragic nature of Henchard’s story.
Conclusion
The Mayor of Casterbridge illustrates Hardy’s tragic vision of life, where fate and coincidence shape human destinies. Henchard’s life is marked by a series of unfortunate coincidences that lead to his tragic end. His character flaws exacerbate these events, making him a tragic figure caught in the web of fate. Hardy’s portrayal of Henchard as a man struggling against the indifferent forces of destiny aligns with the classical tragic tradition, presenting a universal portrayal of human suffering and the inevitable consequences of personal flaws.