Character Analysis
Elizabeth-Jane
Elizabeth-Jane, tempered in poverty and the loss of her father, Newson, and her mother, resigns herself to study and self-betterment. Her beauty begins to flower with the more wholesome diet and relatively relaxed atmosphere of living in a wealthy home. She senses something improper in Susan and Henchard's past relationship, and almost unconsciously she strives to emulate a conservative, formal, correct social relationship with others. However, despite the melancholy aura which surrounds her, Elizabeth-Jane is able to love deeply and sincerely. In fact, she has observed so much of life around her with such an understanding eye that she cannot remain bitter in any way. Even when she renounces Henchard for lying to her about Newson — an understandable action considering her deep love for Newson — she cannot long remain bitter and sets out to find him. Her tribute to Henchard's memory is in honoring his last wishes since she knows that he was a man of indomitable will. She dedicates the rest of her life to kindness, humanity, and learning, and her soul becomes more beautiful as she advances through life.