Published in 1886, the protagonist, Michael Henchard, is a haytrusser who one
day gets so drunk that he auctions off his wife and child for five guineas to a
sailor. When sober, he realizes his mistake and vows not to touch liquor. Over
the years, his hard work pays off, he becomes rich and eventually even the mayor
of Casterbridge. Eighteen years after being sold off, his wife returns, with a
daughter who, she persuades Henchard to believe, is his. Meanwhile, Henchard
quarrels with his assistant Farfrae who then proceeds to possess, piece by
piece, everything that belonged to Henchard.