"The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a novel written by the English author Thomas Hardy. It was first published in 1886 and is considered one of Hardy's major works. The novel is set in the fictional town of Casterbridge in rural England during the early 19th century. The story follows the life of Michael Henchard, a hay-trusser who, in a fit of drunkenness, sells his wife Susan and their infant daughter Elizabeth-Jane to a sailor named Newson at a fair. The next day, Henchard regrets his actions but is unable to find his wife and daughter. He then vows not to drink alcohol for 21 years, a pledge that he keeps. Years later, Henchard has risen to become the prosperous and respected Mayor of Casterbridge. However, his past comes back to haunt him when Susan returns with Elizabeth-Jane, believing that her husband has died. Henchard's life becomes increasingly complicated as he tries to make amends for his past mistakes while dealing with the consequences of his actions. The novel explores themes such as fate, redemption, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. Hardy's depiction of rural life in England, as well as his vivid characters and intricate plot, have made "The Mayor of Casterbridge" a classic of English literature. It's a tale of human frailty and the struggle for redemption, set against the backdrop of a changing society.
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