Introduction
Thomas Hardy’s characters can be categorized into three distinct groups. First, there are the protagonists who play leading roles in the overall human drama. Second, there are those who interact with the protagonists and have some part in their affairs. Lastly, there are the rustic bystanders who not only provide comic relief but also serve a much more significant function. These characters ensure the narrative runs smoothly and clearly, while also highlighting both the immediate and deeper meanings of events. The rustics come from various walks of life in Wessex, including shepherds, farm labourers, grass-cutters, wood-cutters, and dairymaids. In The Mayor of Casterbridge, characters such as Solomon Longways, Christopher Coney, Buzzford, Abel Whittle, Mother Cuxsom, and Nance Mackridge play vital roles.
The Function of Rustic Characters
One important role of Hardy’s rustic characters is to act as a chorus, similar to the chorus in Greek tragedies. They offer commentary on the events of the story and reflect the community’s reactions, thus enhancing the narrative’s depth. Another key function of these characters is to provide humour, balancing the generally serious and grim tone of Hardy’s novels. Additionally, these characters represent the norm of Wessex life. They are grounded and realistic, embodying normal human behaviour. While the protagonists might be driven by intense passions, the rustic characters remain firmly grounded, often expressing disdain for excessive sentimentality. These characters frequently represent Hardy’s own point of view, giving readers insight into the main action from a more philosophical perspective. This group is sometimes referred to as the ‘Philosophic Party’.
The Chorus-Like Role of Rustic Characters
In The Mayor of Casterbridge, rustic characters such as Abel Whittle, Mother Cuxsom, Solomon Longways, Christopher Coney, and Buzzford play crucial roles in both the plot and thematic structure. Abel Whittle, despite being humiliated by Henchard, remains loyal and ultimately cares for Henchard in his final days, showcasing themes of loyalty and forgiveness. Mother Cuxsom and her companions, regulars at the local pub, embody the town’s gossip culture and superstitions, providing comic relief and a grounded perspective on the unfolding drama. Characters like Solomon Longways and Christopher Coney, who work for Farfrae, illustrate the everyday working life and the town’s social dynamics. These rustics serve as a Greek chorus, offering commentary and reflecting the community’s reactions, thereby enhancing the novel’s depth and providing a realistic portrayal of rural life in Hardy’s Wessex.
Comic Relief and Social Commentary
The rustic characters, while not essential to the main plot, play a vital role in placing the major characters within a community context and adding humour to the novel. They frequent places like the Three Mariners Inn or Peter Finger, two inexpensive pubs in Casterbridge, for relaxation and gossip. Their conversations and antics amuse both the audience and readers. Though these characters are not rural dwellers in the strictest sense, they are still referred to as rustic characters due to their similarities with the rustics in Hardy’s other novels. They are often superstitious, ignorant, and old-fashioned, yet they find contentment in their simple way of life.
Significance in Plot and Theme
The rustic characters in The Mayor of Casterbridge play an essential role in the holistic plot development. For instance, Abel Whittle’s loyalty to Henchard despite being mistreated highlights the themes of forgiveness and resilience. Mother Cuxsom and her group’s superstitions and gossip reflect the societal norms and add a layer of authenticity to the setting. Solomon Longways, Christopher Coney, and Buzzford illustrate the working-class life and the town’s social dynamics. Their reactions to the main events in the story provide readers with a broader perspective on the unfolding drama.
Grounding the Narrative
The rustic characters also serve to ground the narrative, offering a contrast to the more extreme actions and emotions of the protagonists. While characters like Henchard and Farfrae are swept up in intense personal and professional rivalries, the rustics remain steady and pragmatic. Their presence in the novel ensures that the story remains rooted in the everyday reality of rural life. This grounding effect makes the protagonists’ struggles and tragedies more poignant and relatable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rustic characters in The Mayor of Casterbridge play a crucial role in providing comic relief, representing societal norms, and offering a grounded perspective on the dramatic events of the story. They act as a chorus, providing commentary and reflecting the community’s reactions, and they illustrate the everyday working life and social dynamics of Wessex. Despite not being central to the main plot, these characters are essential in creating a realistic and relatable portrayal of rural life, enhancing the overall depth and richness of Hardy’s novel. Their simple, contented lives and grounded perspectives serve as a counterbalance to the protagonists’ intense passions and tragic fates, making the narrative more engaging and impactful.