Symbolism is a unique and significant element within The Mayor of Casterbridge. In the beginning of the novel, for example, the wedding ring that Susan throws on the ground symbolizes the end of her marriage with Henchard. Henchard proceeds to sell his wife as a result of his intoxication. Susan, as a result, is so angry with Henchard that she decides to go with another important character in the book, the sailor. When Henchard discovers the ring on the ground, he becomes officially a

Situational irony appears frequently throughout the story in order to generate reactions of astonishment and amusement from the reader. An example of irony is the development of the relationships between Henchard and Donald Farfrae. In the beginning, Henchard wants to hire Farfrae and urges him not to leave. However, as the story continues, the lives of Henchard and Farfrae become the reverse of each other. Another example of situational irony is the real status of Elizabeth-Jane. Elizabeth-Jane is believed to be Henchard’s real daughter for the majority of the novel. However, truth is revealed in Susan’s letter after her death. Henchard begins to treat Elizabeth-Jane with cold treatments. The secret letter sparks drama and interest in the reader. Hardy’s stylish use of situational irony in The Mayor of Casterbridge is most noteworthy.

Another example of symbolism is the letter. It represents a secret. Every letter that appeals in the novel contains some important secrets that other characters are unaware of. Only the people that read the letter discover the secret.

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