The Tussle between Tradition and Modernization in Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge

Industrialization was the greatest achievement in the domains of economy in the 19th century England. The industrialization had been effecting surprising change in every aspect of society. Industrialization had been producing parallel social change also.

The 19th century was obsessed with the advancement of science and technology. People knew that through the use of technology growing social problem can be solved. Belief of people in the capability of science and technology grew. Old superstitious trends and beliefs gradually disappeared. People began to live an adaptive life. But those, who were conscious of the past and tradition, were reluctant to adapt themselves to new social need to welcome modernization. Modernization was taken enthusiastically by the 19th century English people as an alchemy of social change.

In the novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' Henchard and Farfrae stand for these two opposed polarities like tradition and modernization. Henchard makes deals with handshakes and bases business deal with strong eye-contact. Hence, Henchard represents tradition. On the contrary Farfrae brings seed-drill machine which is symbolic of the entry of modernization. Farfrae introduces technology to the town. He handles his business issue rationally. He keeps careful business records. Throughout the narrative the expressed anger of Henchard against Farfre is tradition's resistance towards modernization. If we closely read the novel, we come across the underlying tussle, between the  forces of tradition and spirit of modernization. People at large were eager and enthusiastic over the entry of the light of enlightenment and modernization. But that does not mean the backbone of the tradition was broken. The backbone of the tradition was not easily breakable. It was to some extent destructive. See how skimmity ride took Lucetta's life. It shows how terrible was the regressive tradition of Wessex. Furthermore the world of Wessex is described as enveloped in dark and somber forces. Wessex village is itself represented as life-taking world if the light of modernization can't brighten it quickly. Moreover, under the mayorship of Henchard the quality of corn was degrading. People were crying with Henchard for 'improving the quality of the corn. But Henchard was helpless and unable. Actually, he continued to follow his own traditional method. But at that ripe and right moment Farfrae came. He had a technique to satisfy the need of people by improving the quality of the corn. That is why the public taste and turn moved towards him. He succeeded in earning the respect and belief of people. Here, on the contrary Henchard continued to build rivalry against Farfrae. He ridiculed Farfrae's seed-drill machine. Hence Henchard becomes a falling reminder of breaking tradition whereas Farfrae represents the booming social modernization.