The Mayor of Casterbridge - How does Hardy use imagery particularly in chapter 11?


How does Hardy use imagery particularly in Chapter Eleven?


Imagery is one of the most important tools for an author to describe a scene or setting to the reader and it is used on countless occasions by Hardy especially in Chapter Eleven in his description of The ring at Casterbridge.

In Chapter Eleven Hardy uses imagery to describe the history of The ring at Casterbridge. Hardy describes the gruesome past of this Roman Amphitheatre by saying, “It was impossible to dig more than a foot or two deep about the town fields and gardens without coming upon some tall soldier or other of the empire.” He paints a gruesome picture on The ring at Casterbridge by implying The ring is surrounded by death. This could be a sign of a bad omen and is perhaps used to give the impression that the relationship between Susan and Henchard, who meet at The ring at Casterbridge, is doomed to end badly, which it does when Susan dies mysteriously.

Hardy also describes The ring at Casterbridge itself physically as a ‘huge circular enclosure’ and compares it to the Coliseum in Rome. Imagery is used here to convey a comparison. An image is created giving the reader connotations of a great place, which could suggest that the meeting of Henchard and Susan in The ring was also of great importance to both characters. The description also gives the impression that The ring is a container for Henchard and Susan’s secret. The word ‘enclosure’ gives an image of security that suggests that The ring was the only safe place for the pair to talk about his past mistake. The ring is also described by Hardy as the place for sorting divisions and feuds, which alludes to the fact that the couple must reconcile to hide Henchard’s secret.  This is shown where it says ‘the historic circle was the frequent spot for appointments of the furtive kind.’

Hardy uses imagery in the way that he describes The ring of Casterbridge as a place ‘being safest from observation’. This reinforces the idea that Henchard and Susan felt they could speak openly and safely there. He describes it as ‘deserted earthwork’ and suggests it is a very suitable place for Henchard and Susan to meet, as there is no danger of being overheard. The word ‘deserted’ could refer to the fact Henchard felt he deserted Susan and went looking after her. It also emphasises the initial short silence between them as they were completely alone, confined within the walls of The ring. Hardy creates this image of silence which is different to Henchard’s normal emotional self and perhaps implies to the reader that Henchard has changed since selling his wife.


Hardy uses imagery in several ways particularly when describing The ring and the meeting between Henchard and Susan. Imagery is used to give the reader connotations and show how the setting affects the characters and why their meeting is so important.

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