The Mayor of Casterbridge

The Mayor of Casterbridge tells the tragic story of Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive actions shape the course of his life. After a shocking mistake in his youth, Henchard rises to become a respected mayor, but his past and flawed character gradually lead to his downfall. Set in a rural English town, the novel explores themes of fate, guilt, pride, and redemption. Hardy presents a powerful portrait of a man struggling against his own nature and the consequences of his choices, blending realism with a sense of inevitable tragedy.