The Mayor of Casterbridge · Character
Mrs. Cuxsom
A local woman who runs a lodging house and spreads news.
minor
Also known as Mother Cuxsom
First appearance: xvii
Mrs. Cuxsom's tie to Michael Henchard is one of the pressures that moves The Mayor of Casterbridge—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Describes the details of Susan's death and funeral preparations to the townspeople at the pump.
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With Michael Henchard (social): Mrs. Cuxsom is a local gossip and acquaintance who often comments on Henchard's affairs and misfortunes. With Michael Henchard (social): Mrs. Cuxsom is a local gossip and acquaintance who…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mrs. Cuxsom sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mrs. Cuxsom in xviiCharacter Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Cuxsom sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Major Characters
- Background Figures
- Protagonist
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Henchard, having just witnessed Lucetta’s de…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Michael Henchard
social · ambivalent
- Michael Henchard
social · ambivalent
- Michael Henchard
social · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mrs. Cuxsom in xviiIn the story
Mrs. Cuxsom appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Cuxsom unlock in the free preview.
See Mrs. Cuxsom in xvii