In many of Hardy's novels the main character is female, struggling with her fate in a society which views women as second-class citizens (see notes on Victorians). Hardy's views on women were not sympathetic to the Victorian values of his time. However, in Mayor of Casterbridge the main character is male, not female, yet Hardy's views on the struggles of Victorian women are still apparent to readers. Which woman do you believe has the greatest influence on Henchard's fate -- his wife, his lover, or his daughter?
Critics have argued the most influential woman in Henchard's life is the furmity woman. Throughout the novel the furmity woman keeps reappearing in Henchard's life. Critics believe her reoccurance is interesting in that as a minor female character she leads Henchard toward his fate more directly than either Elizabeth Jane or Lucetta. In what ways does this poor, disaffected woman have more power over Henchard than his lover or daughter?
