Review of Living in Sin, My Papa’s Waltz, and The Ruined Maid Essay Example

iambic trimester rhythm and has a cheerful tone due to its ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of paradox and slant rhymes adds depth to the portrayal of awkwardness in the poem.

"The Ruined Maid" by Thomas Hardy portrays a conversation between two former coworkers who have taken different paths in life.In Liz Allen's analysis, the initial woman is taken aback by the unexpected appearance of her friend Amelia, whom she hadn't seen in a while. It becomes apparent that Amelia has become a prostitute, as she refers to herself as "ruined". Liz Allen's poem titled "The Ruined Maid" contrasts two women and delves into both their past and present lives. The poet had intended the poem for an adult audience and conveys the underlying message that appearances can be deceptive. Everyone experiences challenging times in their lives, and although Amelia may seem more well-off in terms of her clothing and accessories, deep down she is filled with apprehensions and regrets. The poem portrays Amelia as a symbol of transformation, but the means through which this transformation was achieved are questionable. "The Ruined Maid" can serve as a contemplation on society's treatment of women and the potential consequences associated with engaging in prostitution. The poem adopts a dialogue format comprising six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. In the first three lines, one woman speaks while Amelia responds in the fourth line. The name "Amelia" implies hard work and dedication, suggesting that she may have invested considerable effort into her occupation. On the other hand, the other woman abbreviates her name to "melia," which carries implications of competition or ambition; hinting at Amelia's aspirations to belong to

a higher social class.
The line "bright plumes three" contains an allusion, while the phrase 'being ruined' metaphorically suggests that she had become a prostitute. According to Allen's analysis, the writer uses various poetic devices when addressing Liz Allen in the first woman poem, such as phrases like 'digging potatoes' and 'spudding up docks', which emphasize initial rhyme. The poem follows a consistent AABB rhyme scheme with the third and fourth lines always rhyming. The three poems differ greatly in form, style, and approach. Adrienne Rich's "Living in Sin" portrays life being married to someone you don't truly love. It is written in free verse with a mundane tone. On the other hand, Theodore Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz" has a joyful tone and follows a regular rhyme scheme, creating a more cheerful mood. In contrast, Thomas Hardy's "The Ruined Maid" combines a melancholic tone with a structured rhyme scheme. While "Living in Sin" emphasizes the happiness women should experience in marriage, "My Papa's Waltz" highlights the importance of parents in children's lives. Meanwhile,"The Ruined Maid" offers deeper insight into women's rights in society. These poems convey messages that may not have one definitive interpretation for readers to understand clearly.