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Allusions
Key Examples in The Mayor of Casterbridge
Chapter 24
Explanation and Analysis—A Nearby Scotsman:
In addition to the West Country English that Hardy's Wessex locals speak, The Mayor of Casterbridge also includes Hardy's own version of a written Scottish "accent" and of Scottish English. For example, when in Chapter 38 Donald Farfrae is attempting to diffuse the violence of Henchard's reaction to "being injured by him as a rival," he says:
“Ay, man. I couldn't see ye. What's wrang? [...] I am not here to argue. Wait till you cool doon, wait till you cool; and you will see things the same way as I do.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 25
Explanation and Analysis—West Country English:
Hardy’s Wessex novels are full of West Country speech, a regional accent and set of expressions from the Southwestern part of England. For example, this conversation between Michael Henchard (a West Country native) and Lucetta Templeman (a recent arrival) in Chapter 25 illustrates the difference between standard spoken English and this dialect quite clearly:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"I am greatly obliged to you for all that,” said she, rather with an air of speaking ritual. The stint of reciprocal feeling was perceived, and Henchard showed chagrin at once—nobody was more quick to show that than he. “You may be obliged or not for’t. Though the things I say may not have the polish of what you’ve lately learnt to expect for the first time in your life, they are real, my lady Lucetta."
Related Themes:
Chapter 33
Explanation and Analysis—Losing an Accent:
Hardy uses regional dialect to emphasize the change in character when Michael Henchard falls from grace and begins to engage again with all his bad habits. He returns to the idiomatic and regional way of speaking of his youth when things are going badly for him, and he has "busted out drinking again" in Chapter 33:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“’Od seize your sauce—I tell ye to sing the Hundred-and-Ninth to Wiltshire, and sing it you shall!” roared Henchard. “Not a single one of all the droning crew of ye goes out of this room till that Psalm is sung!”
Related Themes:
Chapter 38
Explanation and Analysis—A Nearby Scotsman:
In addition to the West Country English that Hardy's Wessex locals speak, The Mayor of Casterbridge also includes Hardy's own version of a written Scottish "accent" and of Scottish English. For example, when in Chapter 38 Donald Farfrae is attempting to diffuse the violence of Henchard's reaction to "being injured by him as a rival," he says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Ay, man. I couldn't see ye. What's wrang? [...] I am not here to argue. Wait till you cool doon, wait till you cool; and you will see things the same way as I do.”
Related Themes:
