The Mayor of Casterbridge

1. Discuss the ways in which Hardy has raised awareness of social issues in the readers of The Mayor of Casterbridge.

The Mayor of Casterbridge written by Thomas Hardy in 1884/85 reflects upon the Progression of Modernism during the first half of the 19th century English society that was progressing in a difficult transition from a pre-industrial Britain to “modern” Victorian times. Much of the action and plot in Hardy’s novel The Mayor of Casterbridge takes place during the years surrounding 1846. These were the years in which traditionalists took their last stand before being defeated in the name of progress. Hardy undoubtedly and repeatedly illustrates in his novel the problems of everyday life and
“… in the chair of dignity, sat a man about forty years of age; of heavy frame, large features and commanding voice…He was dressed in an old-fashioned evening suit, an expanse of frilled shirt showing on his broad chest; jewelled studs, and a heavy gold chain”

Henchard's clothing represents the oldness within him and his misplacement of time. And as it inevitable that modernism will overcome tradition and so Farfrae changes roles with Henchard. Henchard is no longer the popular man in town and is seen as outdated. Henchard, who had hitherto been the most admired man in his circle, was the most admired no longer. Farfrae's role change with Henchard finds him with the new status of Mayor of Casterbridge. After Henchard’s fall in social class, Henchard has much animosity towards Farfrae.

Another common plot within the novel is that