Study Guide

The Mayor of Casterbridge Chapter 44

By Thomas Hardy

Chapter 44

Henchard, meanwhile, walks straight out of town and keeps walking until he can't go any further.
He sleeps the first night in a hayfield.
Eventually he arrives at Weydon, the town where he sold Susan.
He can't stop thinking about Elizabeth-Jane, and instead of walking still further away from Casterbridge, he starts walking in an orbit around the town.
He constantly imagines what Elizabeth-Jane might be doing – going on a walk, working on her sewing, etc.
Meanwhile, back in Casterbridge, Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae are celebrating their wedding.
Everyone is dancing, Newson just as exuberantly as any of the young folks.