The Conflict between Metaphysical and Human Agencies in Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge.

The present paper explores The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy for understanding the author’s metaphysical perspectives--particularly his stance vis-a-vis the role of metaphysical Power and human free will in determining not only the life of Michael Henchard but also the lives of other characters in the novel. The study problematises the conventional recognition of Hardy as an author with no faith in the metaphysical Deity and his purportedly consequent stance in favour of secular perspectives that attribute Michael Henchard’s tragedy to his own character traits. Contrarily, this paper aims to focus on Hardy’s ambiguities with regard to the factors that played the most determining roles in the world of The Mayor of Casterbridge thereby revealing his lack of an absolute position as regards the existence and the role of a metaphysical Power. Key words: Metaphysical, Providence, Fate, Chance