The Mayor of Casterbridge is a tragic and deeply emotional novel that follows the life of Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive and reckless act in his youth—selling his wife and child while intoxicated—casts a long shadow over his future. Years later, he rises to become a respected and successful mayor, but his past mistakes slowly return to haunt him. As his fortunes decline, Henchard struggles with pride, guilt, and the consequences of his actions. Set in a rural English town, the novel explores themes of fate, character, and personal responsibility, showing how a single decision can shape the course of a life.