How Thomas Hardy Controls the Reader's Response to Donald Farfrae in The Mayor of Casterbridge

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How Thomas Hardy Controls the Reader's Response to Donald Farfrae in The Mayor of Casterbridge

Throughout the novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge', Thomas Hardy

successfully engages the reader in the character of Donald Farfrae.

Hardy uses subtle sentences that sway the reader's view of the

character with great effectiveness. Farfrae does some terrible things,

but he cannot be held totally responsible for his actions, as he does

not knowingly cause turmoil. Consequently, the reader cannot have a

detestation of Farfrae who is an entrepreneur and has a great logical

mind. However, he is outstandingly naïve when it comes to issues

involving human relationships, and he makes awful decisions concerning

women. In this essay I hope to give sufficient evidence to back up my

theories.

The first time the reader encounters Donald Farfrae, it is through

Elizabeth-Jane's eyes. She describes the stranger with curiosity and

attraction;

…a young man of remarkably pleasant

aspect, who carried in his hand a carpet-bag of the smart floral

pattern prevalent in such articles at that time.

He was ruddy and of fair countenance, bright-eyes and

Slight in build

The reader shares Elizabeth-Jane's thoughts and wants to know more

about this intriguing new arrival. Having seen Donald Farfrae for only

a few moments, Elizabeth-Jane seems to be instantly attracted. Donald

goes on to help Henchard with his corn problems and the reader's

curiosity builds again as this stranger seems to have remarkable

talents. At this early point in the novel, the reader's opinion of

Farfrae is one of intrigue and admiration.

Donald Farfrae captures the aud...

... middle of paper ...

...n emotions and relationships, and though he is

not the cause, he is an element of Michael Henchard's downfall.

Farfrae makes one decision after another, which are good decisions in

themselves, but have terrible consequences for Henchard. But through

all of this turmoil he causes, he is completely innocent. He was

simply being true to himself and does not mean to cause trouble. It is

for this very reason that the audience cannot loathe Farfrae, as he is

simply obtuse about certain areas of life. The audience do dislike

him, but there is not a good enough reason to really detest him. I

believe Thomas Hardy has created a complex character that brings out a

wide range of responses from different people but I hope I have given

substantiation to what opinion of Farfrae I think Hardy was trying to

communicate to the audience.

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