In the beginning of the novel, we see Henchard as a hay-trusser that is
             searching villages for work. Years after he sells his wife and child, he
             discovers wealth and popularity as the mayor of Casterbridge. When Susan
             and Elizabeth encounter him, we are told he was "dressed in an old-
             fashioned evening suit, an expanse of frilled shirt showing on his broad
             breast; jeweled studs, and a heavy gold chain" (30). In addition, his home
             is lavish. For example, we read, "His dining room was furnished to
             profusion with heavy mahogany furniture of the deepest red-Spanish hues.
             Pembroke tables, with leaves hanging so low that they well-nigh touched the
             floor, stood against the walls on legs and feet shaped like those of an
             elephant" (56). These images help us understand how Henchard has achieved
             However, Henchard's greed and dishonesty destroy him. We first see
             Henchard's greed when he realizes Lucetta has come into a great
             inheritance. He places an unpleasant ultimatum before her, which includes
             marrying him or risk having her scandalous past known. He tells her, "But
             it is not by what is, in this life, but what appears, that you are judged;
             and I there fore think you ought to accept me--for your own good name's
             sake. What is known in your native Jersey may get known here" (138).
             After she resists him, he later tells her, "Unless you give me your promise
             this very night to be my wife, before a witness, I'll reveal our intimacy--
             in common fairness to other men!" (154). When Elizabeth-Jane urges
             Henchard not to force her to do anything against her will, he insults her,
             telling her not to be a "no'thern simpleton" (155). These scenes reveal
             We witness another side of Henchard's greed when he wishes to destroy
             Farfrae. He tells Jopp to ruin Farfrae's business with "fair competition"
             (143). "By such a desperate bid against him for
             ...