A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge, the most controversial of Hardy's works as it toes the line between Victorian and modernism literature. As an author who lived to see both literary time settings, Hardy was often criticized during his lifetime for combining elements of realism and fantastic coincidences. Moreover, The Mayor of Casterbrige was Hardy's attempt at using poetic techniques and psychology to create a more in-depth, psychological story. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Hardy's classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.