The Mayor of Casterbridge Chapter 17 Summary

  • Farfrae finds an opportunity to say goodbye to Elizabeth-Jane in private.
  • He says he might have to move to another part of the country.
  • Elizabeth-Jane is sad, which Farfrae sees as a good sign.
  • He doesn't say anything to her, just says good-bye and leaves.
  • But he doesn't leave Casterbridge.
  • He actually buys the business of another hay and grain merchant and becomes a businessman himself.
  • He's determined not to steal business from Henchard, though, and refuses to take clients who used to go to him.
  • Even though he's being very fair about it, Henchard is furious.
  • He makes Elizabeth-Jane promise not to talk to Farfrae anymore.
  • Henchard sends Farfrae a note telling him never to talk to Elizabeth-Jane again.
  • Farfrae accepts this – after all, he's just starting his own business and wouldn't be able to afford to get married for a long time. And besides, he was only just beginning to develop feelings for her.