The Mayor of Casterbridge Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"Here and everywhere are folk dying before their time like frosted leaves, though wanted by the world, the country, and their own families, as badly as can be; while I, an outcast and an incumbrance, wanted by nobody, I live on, and can't die if I try." (44.10)

Henchard feels like an outcast; no one cares whether he lives or dies, and yet he "live[s] on." He uses the simile of "frosted leaves" to describe people "dying before their time," perhaps because people have as little control over their deaths as they do over the weather.

Quote #5

The expression of her face was one of nervous pleasure rather than of gaiety. (44.14)

Even after she has married Farfrae and gotten everything she ever wanted, Elizabeth-Jane has a hard time being happy.

Quote #6

Michael Henchard's Will

That Elizabeth-Jane Farfrae be not told of my death, or made to grieve on account of me.

& that I be not bury'd in consecrated ground.

&that no sexton be asked to toll the bell.

&that nobody is wished to see my dead body.

&that no murners [sic] walk behind me at my funeral.

&that no flours [sic] be planted on my grave.

& that no man remember me.

To his I put my name.

Michael Henchard. (45.27)

Henchard's final will and testament sums up the dissatisfaction of his life. He doesn't want to be remembered or mourned; he doesn't even want a grave marker.