The Mayor of Casterbridge: Chapter 30 Summary & Analysis

Farfrae’s plans to move, as he discussed with his servants, are a transition to joining Lucetta in High-Place Hall. Lucetta greets him upon on his arrival, and tells him that she has not yet shared the situation of their marriage with Elizabeth-Jane. She asks Farfrae if it would be okay with him if Elizabeth-Jane continues to live at High-Place Hall, as her friend, and as she has no other home. Farfrae agrees, but with some awkwardness, and perceives that Lucetta does not have any idea of quiet Elizabeth-Jane’s history with Farfrae.

Lucetta reminds Elizabeth-Jane of the story she told her about her “friend,” but the younger woman drops the pretense and says that she knows Lucetta to be the one in the story. Although embarrassed at being found out, Lucetta attempts to explain how her commitment to the first man (Henchard) was brought about the circumstances of their situation and the gossip of others. Elizabeth-Jane asks whether or not Lucetta has recently renewed her commitment to this man, having realized that he is her father. Lucetta pleads that she only did so under force and that she has discovered that Henchard is a man she would be afraid to marry.

Elizabeth-Jane says that she ought to marry Henchard, given how far they are entangled. If Lucetta cannot marry Henchard, Elizabeth-Jane feels that the only other possibility is for her to remain single. She is clear in her judgment of the situation this time, saying that it is Henchard or no one for Lucetta. Impropriety has always been a primary concern of Elizabeth-Jane’s, and something to be avoided at all costs.

Lucetta, overcome, shows Elizabeth-Jane the ring on her finger, at which Elizabeth-Jane happily assumes that Lucetta has, in fact, married Henchard. Lucetta corrects her, and invites her to still live in the house with herself and Farfrae. With great self-control, Elizabeth-Jane asks that she be allowed to consider the decision alone. She decides instantly that she cannot remain in the house, when Farfrae and she so nearly became engaged to each other.

Elizabeth-Jane finds lodgings nearly across the street from Henchard’s home and arranges to move there that very night. She knows that the annual sum from her father, plus her netting skills will earn enough money to support her. She leaves a note for Lucetta and departs. The town is celebrating the news of the marriage, and debating whether or not Farfrae will quit his business and set up on his wife’s money, or continue as a corn and wheat merchant.