The Mayor of Casterbridge: Social StandardsWhat kind of person auctions off his wife and child? In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy explores the personality of a man, Michael Henchard, who gives up his family to a stranger, Richard Newsom, for just five guineas. Unaware of the consequences of such an act, a drunken Michael Henchard lets go of his wife Susan and daughter Elizabeth-Jane, who remain silent and unsure of what awaits them. As he begins his struggle to accept society's standards, Michael Henchard realizes the disastrous effects of alcohol and vows never to drink again for twenty-one years. In his novel, Thomas Hardy examines the standards of society in Casterbridge in the early twentieth century, detailing Michael Henchard's responses to these standards. In addition to not tolerating alcoholics, people did not allow adultery. One couple stayed together for a while before committing to marriage. The marriage lasted until his death. People tried to keep their families together, and families existed as the basis of society. The husband worked to provide food, clothing, and shelter for his family, while the wife raised the children and took care of household chores. To gain respect, people behave positively in the workplace and everywhere else. Political figures reflected the utmost dignity and honesty. People avoided working with and buying from people who did not have the respect of others in society. The rich helped the poor, and people in society worked together to make their lives the best they could be. Unlike the many people who obeyed society's rules and aspired to follow these standards,... middle of paper... ...G. He returns, looking for his daughter and Henchard lies and says she is dead. The lies dug him deeper and deeper into the ground. By not accepting society's standards, he lost Elizabeth-Jane. If Michael Henchard had followed society's standards, he could have led a happy life. Instead, he gave away his happiness, his family and his wealth. He also had many opportunities. He could have returned to his family after the auction. Instead, he hoped the problems would go away. He began to treat people badly and lost the respect of the people of the city. Then he lied and couldn't stop the lies. His personality was made up of many different sides, both good and bad. He didn't have the ability to take control of his life. When he saw his happiness fading, he didn't hold it back. He returned to revenge, envy and lies. In turn, he lost everything he had.