摘要
Thomas Hardy, one of the greatest British novelists in the 19th century. The Mayor of Casterbridge, which is usually regarded as one of the best novels for Thomas Hardy, has received different interpretations since its publication. This thesis tries to explore novel from the perspective of Darwinsm and Social Darwinism. The spirit of Darwinism is expressed all through the novel. Thomas Hardy＇s firm adherence to Darwinism and social Darwinism is reflected in his design of the rise and fall of Henchard, and the competition between Henchard and Farfrae. The rise and fall of Henchard, the competition between Henchard and Farfrae are analyzed by employing the principle of adaptation and the principle of struggling for existence.
