The Mayor of Casterbridge

Set in Upper Wessex during the late summer of the 19th century, the story introduces a young man and woman on a journey towards the village of Weydon-Priors, accompanied by a child. Their worn appearance, marked by dust from their travels, contrasts with their otherwise simple yet decent clothing. The man, characterized by his stern demeanor and skilled countryman gait, carries a rush basket, hinting at a life of labor and resilience. The narrative captures a moment of their lives, revealing themes of hardship and determination against a historical backdrop.