Henchard isn't the sole character ensnared by his past. His former lover, Lucetta, mirrors Henchard's tragic attempts to break free from his history—an observation first made by critic John Patterson in "The Mayor of Casterbridge as Tragedy." Lucetta acquires wealth and moves to Casterbridge to be near Henchard. However, Henchard has now chosen to fulfill his moral duty by marrying Susan, the wife he sold years earlier, to legitimize their daughter—whom Susan allows him to believe is Elizabeth-Jane. Lacking intimacy with Henchard, Lucetta settles in one of Casterbridge's most opulent homes, adopts her aunt's name as "Miss Templeton," and builds a connection with Elizabeth-Jane. After Susan's death, which conveniently propels the plot forward, Henchard resumes his pursuit of Lucetta, aiming for a respectable marriage. However, Lucetta's interest shifts to Farfrae, a vibrant and successful protege. She turns down Henchard, asserting that she will not be a "slave to the past." By marrying the town's new leading citizen, it seems Lucetta has achieved what Henchard could not: she appears to have left her indiscreet past behind and found success, wealth, and a time of happiness. Interestingly, the only truly joyful moments in The Mayor of Casterbridge are linked to Farfrae's musical abilities and the early days of his marriage.