The Mayor of Casterbridge

The story's tragic arc feels deeply rooted in the characters' inability to escape their pasts. I'm curious if Hardy's own experiences influenced this focus.

The detailed descriptions and character introspections add to the mood, but I wondered if it was a deliberate choice to mirror the protagonist's internal struggle.

The social hierarchy seems to play a significant role in shaping their fates. I'm interested in how Hardy might have viewed class mobility during his time.