HARDY FORUM ARCHIVE H01088 10/27/01 "LIGHT/DARK IMIGERY IN THE MAYOER OF CASTERBRIDGE" ====================================================================================== Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 15:02:26 -0400 From: Mladen Gavrilovic Subject: Light/Dark Imagery in Mayor of Casterbridge Hello all, Through no fault of mine I've been forced to create a presentation on the light and dark imagery in Hardy's Mayor of Casterbridge. The unfortunate aspect of that is that I've found very little to go on. Possibly the weather can be used as an example, as most of the "bad" events happen during darkness, while most of the "good" events happen during daylight. For example, at the beginning of the book Henchard descends from a sober (if a little misanthropic) man to an evil, drunk man as day turns to evening and then night. But this is standard not only to this novel but every other "Movie of the Week". It's hardly a deep connection. Also the colour of the clothing is possibly indicative of the psychological situation of the character (in the beginning Henchard wears light clothing), but later after he goes bankrupt he wears his old, dark, torn, mayor's clothing. However, there are only a few occurences of this in the book. So you see my problem. Can anyone give me an idea on how to approach this? Regards, Mladen ========== Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 15:58:17 -0400 Subject: Re: Light/Dark Imagery in *The Mayor of Casterbridge*--chech Barnes's plates From: "Philip & Andrea Allingham" Dear Mladen, Check the original 1886 plates by Robert Barnes for *The Mayor of Casterbridge* at the Association's website or on the Victorian web for some additional clues about light and dark moods, sets, and clothing. The interior of The Ring at Casterbridge seems in permanent shadow, in keeping with its violent past. Then there are Henchard's dark moods, and the darkness of spirit in which he approaches Conjurer Fall's at sunset. In darkness, Henchard approaches Farfrae's gig to warn him that something is wrong at home, and so on. All the best in your quest for darkness and light, Philip Allingham. ========== From: "Gary Alderson" Subject: Re: Light/Dark Imagery in Mayor of Casterbridge Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001 00:27:56 +0100 Just picked from the first half of the book, but I guess there's plenty there: Henchard is "swarthy" on page 1. His pupils are also "dark" (chapter 9) Henchard's face "darkened" (chapter 5) when he deals with complaints about the wheat. Farfrae is of "fair" countenance (chapter 6) - but then he's the good guy. The linen at the Mariners' is "dazzling", to cover up for the inn's shortcomings (chapter 7). Susan's face is "strangely bright" after Henchard's confession (chapter 8). Henchard's interest in Farfrae is "eclipsed" when he meets Elizabeth-Jane (chapter 10) The meeting at the Ring is at the "proper hour" of dusk (chapter 11) The evening sun shines more "yellowly" on Susan's house than anywhere else (chapter 13) There's Elizabeth-Jane's sensitiveness to the sun as she becomes more of a lady (chapter 14) When he sneaks into Farfrae's festivities, Henchard "did not care to keep in the light" (chapter 16) When Elizabeth-Jane realises she has made a mistake in dancing with Farfrae, her complexion glows like hot coals (chapter 17). There's a lot of light and darkness in this chapter - eg Henchard is of "volcanic stuff". Elizabeth-Jane is "fair"; Henchard is "dark" (chapter 14) ==========