The chance arrival of Farfrae in Casterbridge at just the moment when Henchard was looking for a manager, and his obvious ability to fulfil the position indicates Farfrae's good fortune and Henchard's destiny.
Nevertheless, Farfrae and Henchard have strikingly contrasting personalities and this sharp contrast between the two men is demonstrated when Farfrae questions Henchard's irrational treatment of Abel Whittle.
"Out of bed, sir, and off to the granary, or you leave my employ today!".
Henchard is insensitive whilst Farfrae employs a more considerate and selfless role. These selfish and impetuous characteristics of Henchard are the cause for his fate developing into his worst enemy and constantly eating away at him. Henchard deems that he owns Abel Whittle and leaves Abel Whittle with no choice, but to act under his order. He also assumed that Susan and Elizabeth-Jane were his property and even then, he believed that they would do as he ordered. Henchard leaves Abel Whittle little choice and similar to that, nineteen years ago, he did not provide Susan with any choice but to leave him in his drunken state.
Henchard's treatment of Joshua Jopp is hardly justified either. Jopp was obviously anxious to lay claim to "his" job but Henchard is not a man of soft words or indecisive action in both the Abel Whittle and Jopp case. He rejects Jopp's claim to the job and this concludes in Jopp nursing a grievance against both Henchard and Farfrae. In both the Abel Whittle and Jopp incidents, Henchard totally disregards their feelings and undertakes a role of superiority and arrogance. This role is identical to the role in which he dismisses Susan and Elizabeth-Jane away from his life. In spite of this, the enmity with Jopp will cost Henchard as he and the furmity woman read Lucetta's letters and guarantee Henchard's downfall.
"I am sorry or you - very sorry indeed. But it can't be helped.".
Henchard's conversation with the child unsettles him.
