Mayor of Casterbridge, The

A drunken hay-trusser, Michael Henchard, sells his wife and daughter for five guineas to a sailor. Henchard is overcome by guilt after the sale of his wife and swears he will not have another drink of alcohol for twenty years. By hard work, he becomes a wealthy dealer in corn and hay, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. After eighteen years, his wife and child return and suddenly, his fortunes decline, in part through bad luck and his own obstinate nature. In the end, his rival Farfrae has Henchard's business, his house, and he even becomes mayor of Casterbridge. Henchard eventually dies in a hut on Egdon Heath.