Although Hardy depicts the bleak existence of women in Victorian society, he also demonstrates a compassionate understanding of their struggles, indicating a yearning for societal reform.
Hardy depicts the societal expectation for women in Victorian times to marry. Failure to do so resulted in being deemed inadequate and receiving disregard from both genders. This is exemplified through Rhoda's secluded position in the milking barn and isolated living conditions, as disclosed by Hardy. It is also revealed that Rhoda bore an illegitimate child with Farmer Lodge.
Throughout the story, Hardy depicts the double standards that women in Victorian England endured. Rhoda's "terrible sin" results in her societal exclusion without any blame attached to Farmer Lodge, illustrating this disparity. In addition to societal expectations, women were also pressured to marry young and bear children to ensure an
..."heir and a spare." Gertrude's inability to produce an offspring brought contempt from her husband, who resented her for not continuing his family line.
Throughout history, blaming women for infertility has been commonplace, with men rarely being held responsible. The Victorian era placed great value on a woman's physical beauty, which often sparked conflict between partners. In his work, Thomas Hardy highlights this in the character of Farmer Lodge, who initially viewed Gertrude as a desirable and suitable wife due to her looks. However, after her disfiguring injury, Gertrude perceives that Farmer Lodge no longer values her as highly.
The depiction in the story suggests that Farmer Lodge is strongly dissatisfied with his wife. This highlights the expectation for women to adhere to societal norms, as failure to do so resulted in ostracism. Hardy portrays this extreme outcome through Rhoda being viewe
as a witch for falling outside of conventional female standards. Nevertheless, Hardy also shows compassion for the mistreatment of women through his story's conclusion. He punishes Farmer Lodge for neglecting Rhoda and their child by killing his spouse, causing him to live with guilt thereafter. This demonstrates Hardy's desire for change in women's treatment, acknowledging that such transformation could only come from sacrificing innocent lives.
Comparing the death of Gertrude to this event, he drew a parallel.
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