Tradition versus Modernity in Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge

Abstract

This study deals with the issues of tradition and modernity which brings ongoing tension in Thomas hardy’s The Mayor of Caster bridge (1886). Michael Henchard, a man of traditional force exhibits himself as a man of utter power and dominance over the people of his locality but he fails to continue his old conventional system in the hand of changing socio-political scenario. Mr. Donald Farfrae a versatile Scottish young man is familiar with modern tools and techniques outdoes his master, Michael Henchard in every respect and undoubtedly becomes successful to transform the rigid root of tradition of the town Caster bridge into flexible one. Henchard’s old and outdated way of dealing with business and relation falls in risk after the arrival of Farfrae who is synonymous to the ideologies of modernism. Tension arises in the world of Caster bridge ad life of some characters due to the two heroes contrasting way of dealing things. Along with these two main characters’ persistent attitude and manner to promote their own system, this research work somehow tries to excavate historical context of the then English society, which was welcoming change despite many obstruction.