Hardy’s Portrayal of Women in The Withered Arm Essay Example

than their character, even among women themselves. Women who exhibited witch-like traits were often regarded with suspicion.

During her visit to Conjuror Trendle, Gertrude was advised that placing her arm on the neck of a hanged man would rid her of her disease. Intrigued by this remedy, Gertrude kept her plans to visit the conjuror secret from her husband, fearing he would accuse her of witchcraft. She was so desperate to be cured that she even stated, "O Lord, hang some guilty or innocent person soon!" This highlights that women, in desperate situations, are often willing to say or do anything without considering the consequences.

Her preference is for her own arm to recover rather than another person losing their life. Living in a small village with no more than 1000 inhabitants meant that rumours spread quickly and easily. Women in the story exhibit jealousy, notably Rhoda, who sends her son to spy on Gertrude to check the condition of her hands. Gertrude essentially acts as Rhoda's replacement, making her jealous. The monotony of life at the time led people to create their own superstitions and witchcraft, explaining why Gertrude obeyed the Conjuror's instructions, believing it would heal her.

Women often relied on men for economic stability, leading to their subordination to husbands under legal and moral authority. Single women were burdened with carrying out their own work. Men typically had better education and higher-paying jobs, resulting in women's lack of economic independence. Poor women likely wore tattered clothes, as shown on pg.

According to the text, Rhoda visited a mud-walled cottage numbered three. Some women, including Gertrude who Rhoda's son described wearing a silver-coloured gown and

white bonnet, had more fortunate attire. The portrayal of women was positive, with Gertrude's determination on the steep hill to reach the wicket showcased. Despite the harshness of daily life, most women were friendly, but Rhoda pretended to be friendly.

While pretending to be polite, Rhoda expresses her envy and indifference towards Gertrude's arm: "I hope your arm gets well again ma'am". Both women express positive wishes: Gertrude hopes for her arm to recover and for her feelings towards Mr. Lodge to improve. Rhoda dreams of being emotionally fulfilled and taken care of by a man. Despite her jealousy, Rhoda is also dedicated to being a successful mother. Meanwhile, Gertrude is admired for her patience and virtuous qualities.

Rhoda exhibited independence and pride by refusing the money left to her by Lodge. Additionally, both women displayed bravery while navigating through the thick clouds that caused darkness in the atmosphere. In terms of virtuous qualities, Gertrude demonstrated generosity and compassion by fulfilling promises, such as providing Rhoda's son with shoes and other items. "I believed they were referring to a medical practitioner. I will not dwell on him any further," Gertrude informs Rhoda regarding what she learned about Conjuror Trendle.

The text illustrates that the women possessed distinctive viewpoints and autonomous ideas. Notably, in his work The Withered Arm, Hardy employed the literary device of pathetic fallacy. Specific instances of this technique appear when Gertrude made her way toward the wicket. She experienced exhaustion while the weather was dreadful, and the ambiance surrounding her mirrored her internal sensations. As such, the women were integrated into and influenced by their natural setting.

Hardy underscores the objectification of women by men,

while also showcasing their resolve to live according to their own desires. This recurring theme reinforces the central concept of the narrative. The author employs contrasting and paralleling techniques in depicting the two female protagonists. In Hardy's era, women from lower social classes were regarded merely as mothers and inferior to men, which contrasts with contemporary times. Despite our compassion for these women, we cannot completely relate as we have not undergone similar experiences.

Life for women of different social classes was markedly distinct, and this economic gap emphasized the contrasting destinies that they experienced.