Henchard's attempt to reconcile with Elizabeth-Jane highlights his deeply flawed yet tragic nature. Following Lucetta's death and his own yearning to reconnect, Elizabeth-Jane, still wrongly believing she owes loyalty to her deceased parent, surprises both Henchard and the reader by disclosing that Newson is alive and searching for his lost family. In a moment of vulnerability, Henchard desperately tries to hold onto the affection he still cherishes. He deceives the sailor, telling him that both Susan and Elizabeth-Jane have passed away. As soon as he utters the lie, Henchard becomes aware that he has put his own desires above Elizabeth-Jane's well-being and fears Newson's return, which would expose the enormity of his deceit. Although Henchard's actions cannot be justified or excused, we must recognize the very human and understandable fear of loneliness and despair that drives him to lie impulsively rather than with forethought.