Historical Context
Thomas Hardy
was born in 1840 near Dorchester, England and published The Mayor of
Casterbridge in 1886. The political nature of the title and subject matter
reflect a time in English history when the common people had little opportunity
to express themselves in a political realm. The Third Reform Bill, which was
passed just previous to the book’s publishing, opened the political world to
more participants by redistributing seats and reorganizing districts. It also
outlawed several tactics used to disenfranchise farm laborers. A similar act in
1872, the Secret Ballot Act, increased political participation by allowing
voters to cast ballots in private.
The manner in
which the public expressed themselves before these acts is demonstrated grandly
by Hardy’s characterization of the pubs and taverns in and around Casterbridge.
Mixen-Lane, for example, is a comprehensive compilation of country folk at their
extreme, separated by makeshift bridges from the rest of society. Although it
may symbolize the contrast between modern city people and backwards countrymen,
Hardy probably uses it to depict how the methods of expression in Mixen-Lane
have destructive results (drinking, skimmity-ride). In fact, the actions in
Mixen-Lane are not only forbidden in other public spheres, but they are
undeniably negative. Hardy’s political commentary was therefore that public
expression should be encouraged in more fruitful and defined methods.
The novel also
sheds light on the mechanization of several areas in agriculture, including
various public perceptions of the new technologies. This period in English
history was met with great advancements in the agricultural industry.
