After Lucetta’s death, Henchard falls into complete despair. Though he knows Elizabeth-Jane is not his real daughter, he still longs to protect her. Farfrae, witnessing Henchard’s downfall, feels some sympathy but does nothing to prevent it. As Elizabeth-Jane grows closer to Farfrae, Henchard struggles to stay in her life, but she begins to push him away. With his influence gone and his dignity shattered, Henchard leaves town and spends his final days alone. Before dying, he leaves a will stating that he does not want to be remembered or honored. Elizabeth-Jane later realizes the depth of Henchard’s love and regrets turning away from him, but by then, it is too late. The novel ends on a tragic note, highlighting Hardy’s signature themes of fate, regret, and the relentless consequences of one’s past choices.
