The Withered Arm written by Thomas Hardy and The Monkey’s Paw Essay Example

acts, and is set in the fictional region of Wessex in southern England.

The protagonist of The Withered Arm, Rhoda Brook, is initially described as a dull woman, referred to as "A thin fading women." This description is given at the beginning of the story, when she is milking a cow on her farm. Rhoda feels immense pressure as the others discuss the arrival of a newly married couple. This can be inferred from her desire to stop the other workers from talking about Farmer Lodge's new wife. She expresses her annoyance by saying, "Now then, what the Turk do it matter to us about Farmer Lodge's age or his new misses? .... I shall have to pay him nine pound a year for the rent .... Whatever his age or hers .... Get on with your work." Rhoda wants the other workers to refrain from discussing the matter and focus on their tasks.

Rhoda Brook resides in a modest dwelling constructed with mud walls, which has deteriorated due to rain eroding the mud. The narrative reveals Rhoda's use of turf for fuel, indicating her impoverished living conditions. Additionally, the text characterizes Rhoda's attire as unattractive, and portrays her as deeply affected by remarks made about Farmer Lodge and his newly wedded wife, Gertrude Lodge.

The character of Rhoda Brooks finds herself in a grave situation when her son dies and Gertrude Lodge visits his body to treat the illness on her arm, which was caused by Rhoda's thoughts during sleep. However, Gertrude discovers that the deceased is actually Rhoda Brooks. Shortly after, Gertrude's condition worsens and she also passes away. Before Mrs. Lodge dies, she learns

the truth that her husband Farmer Lodge deceived her by claiming he had to go away for business when he actually went to see Rhoda and her son.

From the beginning of the story to the end, Rhoda Brooks has undergone a significant change in character. She has relocated from her familiar town to an unknown place, driven by her deep remorse over Gertrude's severe arm ailment that was caused by Rhoda's troubled thoughts during her sleep. Moreover, as the story progresses, Rhoda becomes increasingly isolated and lonely. Just before leaving her town to escape her troubles and guilt, she yearns for a fresh start elsewhere.

Gertrude Lodge, the wife of Farmer Lodge, is the second person I will discuss. She is portrayed as a charming and attractive individual with rosy cheeks and a petite figure. This description makes it evident that she possesses both physical beauty and a pleasant personality. At the beginning of the story, Gertrude has recently married Farmer Lodge and is moving away from her hometown to live with him. Additionally, Gertrude is renowned for her kind-heartedness and is considered an extraordinary woman who sincerely cares for others and readily provides help.

Gertrude's compassionate side is revealed when she and her husband, Mr. Lodge, arrive in town and notice Rhoda's son laboring under a heavy burden. Mr. Lodge acknowledges knowing the boy and dismisses Gertrude's concern, remarking on the boys' strength. However, the following day, Gertrude approaches the boy and inquires about his origin. He confirms that he is indeed from the town and is the same impoverished boy burdened with the heavy load. Expressing sympathy, Gertrude comments on his tattered shoes and promises

to visit him and his mother the next day with new boots. She states, "I'll come and bring you some better boots, and see your mother."

The next day, Gertrude arrives at the house and expresses her uncertainty about being in the right place. Rhoda asks if she is okay, and Gertrude shares a puzzling ailment she has. Although not serious, she can't understand it. Gertrude then reveals the distinct mark on her arm to Rhoda. It becomes apparent to Rhoda that it matches the mark from her dream, where she grabbed Gertrude's arm while asleep. Gertrude explains that she was sleeping when suddenly she felt pain on her arm. Upon waking up, she discovered the distinctive mark on her arm.

Rhoda and Gertrude's friendship grows stronger over time, leading to more frequent communication. Rhoda suggests they visit a distant magician who might be able to help with Gertrude's illness. Despite some reluctance, Gertrude agrees to accompany Rhoda on this trip to see Conjourer Trendle. The magician reveals that someone may be responsible for Gertrude's condition, although she doesn't recognize the description provided. As they walk home afterwards, an eerie silence descends between them. Rhoda begins to wonder if she possesses some kind of malignant power over others, considering earlier hints in the story that she was labeled a witch during her pregnancy with Farmer Lodge's child.

As time goes on, Rhoda and Gertrude do not stay in touch, and it becomes known that Rhoda and her son have departed the town and relocated to an undisclosed place.

Gertrude's illness is deteriorating and Farmer Lodge urges her to seek help. She discovers a peculiar remedy - by touching her

arm to the neck of a deceased body, she could potentially be cured. Relating stories of successful past attempts, she gathers information about upcoming executions and attends one. Upon arrival, she learns that she must wake up early the following day to have the opportunity to touch the corpse's neck with her arm in order to alleviate her illness.

When she reaches out to touch the corpse, she realizes that it is Rhoda's son. Rhoda and farmer Lodge are approaching the coffin. Upon realizing the identity of the body, Gertrude's sickness intensifies, causing her great weakness and leading to her eventual death. Discovering that her husband deceived her by claiming he had to be away for business but instead went to see Rhoda and her son before his execution must have deeply devastated Gertrude.

The character of Gertrude Lodge undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story due to the discovery of her severe illness. Initially portrayed as an attractive and pleasant woman, Gertrude eventually becomes a lonely and miserable individual. The illness fundamentally alters Gertrude's entire being, as it typically does for anyone affected by such a condition. Unless the illness restores them to their previous state, individuals are unlikely to remain unchanged. Gertrude must have experienced profound shock upon learning that the corpse she was about to touch belonged to her son, Rhoda, and that her husband secretly went to see Rhoda while lying about having business away from home.

In my viewpoint, Gertrude has undergone a transformation in her character. However, the affliction that plagued her was undeserved due to Rhoda's dream of gripping her arm. Rhoda experiences intense jealousy towards Gertrude because Farmer Lodge chose

to marry her - a woman who is beautiful and attractive. This jealousy leads Rhoda to contemplate causing harm to Gertrude. Desperately, Gertrude longs for her illness to fade away and goes to great lengths, including traveling a significant distance, in search of a remedy. She keeps many secrets from her husband, particularly about the executions she uncovers. Fortunately, she manages to hide this information when he is away visiting Rhoda, although she is aware of his visitation. I consider Gertrude as an important character in the story; hence why I have chosen to write about her.

The character I will be discussing is the Sergeant Major from the story "A Monkeys Paw". He is described as tall and burly and is known to consume alcohol frequently. The story states, "...at the third glass his eye got brighter," indicating his fondness for drinking, possibly in social settings or with family members. The name Sergeant Major suggests his affiliation with the army. It is evident from the story that he enjoys engaging in conversation and tends to embellish details to make them more interesting for the audience. Mr. White remarks, "if the tale about the Monkeys Paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us... We shan't make much of it," illustrating the Sergeant Major's tendency to talk a lot and go on tangents.

The Sergeant Major is described as rough-looking due to his tall and bulky appearance. The White family initially doubts the truthfulness of the Major's claims, but when Mr. White tests the paw and makes a wish, it has a noticeable effect. The Major warns them that he will not be responsible

for any negative consequences resulting from the wishes or the Monkey's Paw. Ultimately, the White family discovers that the Sergeant Major was telling the truth throughout.

Mr. White is warned extensively and told that there will be repercussions, with the sergeant being absolved of blame. This ordeal leaves White deeply frightened, causing him to have a terrible day. Throughout the story, there are multiple instances where the Sergeant Major attempts to prevent Mr. White from using the Monkey's paw. For example, he seizes his arm when he is about to make a wish and hastily throws the paw into the fire. Moreover, the sergeant major persistently attempts to acquire the paw from Mr. White, even offering to buy it from him, repeatedly emphasizing the potential consequences by saying: "I warn you of the consequences."

In the story, a man comes to the White family's house and tells Mrs. White that her son, Herbert, has been seriously injured but is not feeling any pain. Sadly, their son eventually dies and is quickly buried. As time passes, Mr. White wakes up one night to find his wife missing from their bed. The situation becomes critical when Sergeant throws the Monkey's Paw into the fire. However, Mr. White retrieves the paw from the fire, showing his obsession with it. The Sergeant warns him about what might happen as a result and makes it clear that he will not take responsibility for any consequences.

The character of Sergeant Major in the story is intriguing as he only appears at the beginning and is not mentioned later on, suggesting that he avoids being associated with the consequences of the monkey's paw.

Personally, I find Sergeant Major unsettling and intimidating due to his large and bulky appearance and heavy drinking habits. He holds great significance in the story as one of the main characters, introducing the Monkey's Paw. Removing him from the plot would create a completely different narrative.

The final character to be discussed is Mr. White from the story "A Monkey's Paw". Mr. White is depicted as a kind and generous man, especially towards his wife when he says, "...Come back..." he said tenderly "...You will be cold...". This quote is said when his wife wakes up in the night after their son has died and she is staring out of the window. Though Mr. White claims to be content with what he has, he becomes greedy upon learning about the Monkey's paw and develops a strong desire to possess it. It is evident that he has made numerous attempts to obtain the Monkey's paw, and eventually succeeds, resulting in him becoming arrogant.

In the story, Mr. White's wish using the Monkey's Paw causes him pain as the paw twists in his hand and falls to the floor. He is shocked by this twist and tells his wife about it. The Sergeant Major had warned him multiple times about potential negative outcomes and consequences, stating that he is not responsible for whatever happens: "I warn you of the consequences."

Later that same night, the protagonist is awake and sitting in front of the fire. He sees several faces, one of which is extremely ugly and horrid. The protagonist reacts by throwing liquid onto the fire to extinguish it. The face is described as both horrifying and simian-like, causing

the protagonist to stare at it in amazement. The next morning, Mrs. White expresses her disbelief: "...The idea of us listening to such nonsense!!!! How could wishes be granted nowadays? And even if they could, how could receiving two hundred pounds harm us...". Mrs. White is clearly conveying her husband that this idea is absurd and that it cannot come true overnight.

The next day, a man visits Mr. and Mrs. White at their house to inform them that their son has been injured but is not in any pain. He also mentions that the company their son worked for will compensate them with two hundred pounds (?200) as per Mr. White's wish. The company responsible for granting this wish is "Maw and Meggins". While the father feels happy about becoming rich, both parents are overwhelmed with sadness due to the loss of their son. The father expresses his grief by saying, "He was the only one left to us...It is hard."

Unaware of the warnings given by Sergeant Major and the potential consequences, Mr. White believes the man's words to be true and remains oblivious to the information shared by Sergeant Major.

The character development of Mr. White undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially portrayed as generous and kind, he gradually becomes egotistical and envious, displaying an intense desire for the monkey's paw and everything it can grant. His wish for two hundred pounds is partially fulfilled, as he receives a compensation of the same amount from his son's former company. In conclusion, Mr. White's unique character progression makes him an intriguing subject of analysis within the narrative.

The author of "A Monkey's Paw" depicts the

family's devastation after the death of their son. Additionally, the author portrays the transformation of Mrs. White from a peaceful wife to a disturbed and hysterical woman. Through the use of an archaic writing style, the author enhances the theme and informs the reader that the story is of a horror genre.

In both stories, the writer has employed numerous similes to depict the appearance and demeanor of their characters. These similes serve to provide the reader with a deeper understanding and description of the character's features.

In general, I find Rhoda Brooks and Gertrude to be more realistic characters compared to those in 'A Monkey's Paw'. This is because the story of 'The Withered Arm' feels more realistic to me than that of the Monkey's Paw. I find it hard to believe that a Monkey's paw could actually grant wishes or make dreams come true. This significantly impacted my enjoyment of the story because 'The Withered Arm' feels much more grounded in reality. Gertrude's arm illness worsens throughout the story, almost as if she has been cursed. Additionally, the setting of the story is more realistic, taking place in a quiet village or small town where Rhoda's son carries a heavy load back to their home.