In "The Mayor of Casterbridge," Thomas Hardy unravels the tragic tale of Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive sale of his wife and daughter at a country fair haunts his ascent to prosperity and power as the mayor of Casterbridge. As his past resurfaces, Henchard's life spirals into adversity and isolation, reflecting the themes of fate, guilt, and the relentless march of time. Hardy's novel is a profound exploration of character, consequence, and the human capacity for change.