As Hardy's novel begins we read of Henchard's humble position as a hay-trusser and his disgraceful sale of Susan, his wife. This humble beginning fits the archetypal pattern of the hero's initial lowly circumstances. The first sign of Henchard's ascent from his lowly position occurs when he regrets selling his wife. After unsuccessfully searching for his lost wife Henchard resolves to change his ways. For this reason he enters a church, making the following solemn oath as he is kneeling at the altar rail,

I, Michael Henchard...do take an oath before God here in this solemn place that I will avoid all strong liquors for the space of twenty-one years to come...And this I swear upon the book before me; and may I be strook dumb, blind, and helpless, if I br

Henchard appears very repentant of the shameful act that he has committed, and he admits that his drinking has caused him to sell his wife. Henchard realizes what he has done, and makes no excuses for his wrongful deeds. Henchard is beginning to show some of the character traits of a typical archetypal hero: honesty, determination, and a new found strength. As he resolves to start a new phase of his life, Henchard sets out on an archetypal quest to make something of himself. Upon Henchard's arrival at Casterbridge he is but a lowly hay trusser. Eighteen years later when Susan and Elizabeth-Jane enter Casterbridge to enquire about Henchard we see that he has risen in status, wealth, and even character.

He worked his way up from nothing when 'a came here; and now he's a pillar of the town. (P 33) Susan Henchard's husband... sat before them, matured in shape, stiffened in line, exaggerated in traits; disciplined...He was dressed in...jewelled studs, and a heavy gold chain. (P 30)

Every tragic hero has a flaw which leads to his eventual demise. Henchard is no exception. His wealth and happiness are soon lost, and he returns to his previous state of poverty and discontentedness. For Henchard, the cause of his downfall is a return to drinking which in turn unleashes his jealousy, temper and pride. He is jealous of Farfrae and the success Farfrae attains once he begins a rival business. "The Scotchman, who's taking the town trade so bold into his hands, must be cut out...hard, keen, and unflinching...grind him into the ground--starve him out" (P 178 & 179). Henchard is prepared to do whatever it takes to put Farfrae out of business, even to the extent of attempted murder. A quick temper and fierce anger are the second of Henchard's archetypal flaws. He becomes angry and bitter against those whom he once loved and was loved by. "...she [Lucetta] herself forgot for the moment her partiall

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1280
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)