The Mayor of Casterbridge: Chapter 40 Summary & Analysis

Henchard returns to town after standing and thinking on the second bridge. He witnesses the skimmington-ride procession as it passes and understands its meaning. He tries to see Elizabeth-Jane and learns that she is not at her home, but with Lucetta at Farfrae’s. Henchard calls there and learns how ill Lucetta is, and that Farfrae is being sought on the Budmouth road. Henchard says that he knows Farfrae has actually headed toward Weatherby, but Henchard’s position and opinion has been so far discredited that the servants will not believe him.

Henchard resolves to seek Farfrae himself. He intercepts Farfrae’s gig on the road from Weatherby as he is heading to Mellstock. Henchard insists that Farfrae needs to return home and that is wife is ill. As he repeats this news, he realizes Farfrae’s complete distrust of Henchard and his story. Farfrae says that he must go to Mellstock and will not follow Henchard down the road to Casterbridge, where, Henchard realizes, Farfrae thinks that a man who tried to kill him that very day may have confederates hiding.

Henchard returns to Farfrae’s house alone, dismayed at this failed attempt to do something for Farfrae’s good. He asks Elizabeth-Jane, who is at the house, how Lucetta is doing. Elizabeth-Jane says that she fears the townsfolk have killed Lucetta. Henchard reflects on Elizabeth-Jane and the care and affection she continues to show him, as no others do. He begins to realize that even though she is not his daughter, perhaps they may care for each other as father and daughter.

Henchard returns home to Jopp’s cottage. Jopp’s face is anxious as he mentions the bad news of Lucetta’s illness, but Henchard does not suspect his part in it. Jopp says that a man, a sailor, has called for Henchard while he was away.

Farfrae returns home late and is greatly distressed to see his misinterpretation of Henchard’s motives. Another doctor is sent for, and Farfrae stays by Lucetta’s side throughout the night. He doesn’t hear the details of the skimmington-ride, as the news of Lucetta’s severe illness and miscarriage spreading throughout the town silences any mention of the cause of her situation. How much of the true story Lucetta may have confessed to her husband during the night remains Farfrae’s secret alone.

Henchard calls at Farfrae’s throughout the night, to check on Lucetta’s condition, but also to see Elizabeth-Jane. Every other hope and connection having been removed from his life, causes Henchard to focus more and more on the stepdaughter who still cares for him. At Henchard’s final call at about four o’clock in the morning, he sees a servant taking a muffling cloth off the knocker on the door. The servant says that any visitors may knock as loudly as they will now, but the lady of the house will hear them no more.