Thomas Hardy, "The Mayor of Casterbridge"

The text of The Mayor of Casterbridge can be found on-line at: http://www.bibliomani...

As always, you are encouraged to wear a bit of period costume or accessory. And bring any related "show and tell" items to share with the group.

Introduction: There is no way to sugarcoat this--Hardy writes tragedies. And he does it superbly. Don't be deterred by the sadness. Hardy truly is one of the "must read" authors of the 19th century. The novel is long, you will need a handkerchief, but your base culturel will expand enormously.

Plot Summary: One of the best known and most critically acclaimed of Hardy's "Novels of Character and Environment" and indeed of all his novels, The Mayor of Casterbridge is the story of Michel Henchard. Henchard is an impoverished country laborer who, in a drunken and disheartened state, sells his wife and child at a fair. When he becomes sober again, he is horrified by what he has done. Unable to find his wife and child, Henchard changes his ways and eventually becomes the wealthy Mayor of the town. Nearly twenty years later his past comes back to haunt him. The greatest point of interest in the novel is the development of Henchard's character from initial contentedness through bitter attempts to hold onto what he considers "his" to total desperation.

Although selling one's wife and/or children was not unheard of amongst the poor of the early nineteenth century, the practice had certainly died out by Hardy's time.

Films: You are encouraged to view one of these films prior to our meeting so that we can compare and contrast it to the original novel. From experience, I find that comparing our book selections to a film adaptation often facilitates the discussion.

(1) A 1921 British silent version. This was the first British film made entirely on location (rather than in a studio). Thomas Hardy was on hand to advise on locations, but he thought that motion pictures were something of a fad. Unlikely that we can find a copy of this film.

(2) A 1978 British 7-part TV mini-series starred the incomparable Alan Bates. This is a faithful adaptation of the novel, and many consider it to be the best film version. The series was shot in a TV-play style, which is a popular format in Britain. Available on DVD.

(3) A 2000 British adaptation entitled The Claim starred Daniel Dillon, Millo Jovovich, and Nastassja Kinski. It was filmed on location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

(4) A 2003 British TV version starred Ciaran Hinds. There is a wonderful cameo appearance by Jean Marsh (of Upstairs, Downstairs fame). This is a good adaptation and is much shorter than the 1978 mini-series. Originally shown in the U.S. on the A&E cable television network. [NOTE: Hinds is one of my favorite actors, and I think this is an extremely well-made film.] Available on DVD.