the ruined maid - hardy Flashcards
How does Hardy explore the relationship between love and social class?
Hardy critiques how women can only advance in Victorian society through selling themselves, either through agriculture or prostitution.
Example: Melia’s passive voice reflects societal impact: ‘O didn’t you know I’d been ruined.’
What does the semantic field of glamour/riches/wealth signify in Hardy’s work?
It humanises women and explains why selling themselves would be an appealing choice.
Example: ‘You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks…and now you’ve gay bracelets and feathers.’
How does Hardy contrast language to reflect social advancement?
He contrasts colloquial dialect of the country woman with Melia’s poised language, highlighting her social advancement.
Example: ‘Thik’oon’ ‘t’other’ vs. Melia’s elegant speech.
What imagery does Hardy use to depict poverty?
He paints a grim picture of poverty, showing physical stigmata of criminals in Victorian England.
Example: ‘Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak.’
What metaphor does Hardy use to describe country life?
He uses ‘a hag ridden dream’ to illustrate the difficulties of country life, suggesting a nightmare with riches but no escape from hardships.
Example: ‘You used to call home-life a hag ridden dream.’
How does Hardy present the concept of love and virginity?
Initially, the poem presents a morally questionable girl, with the title reflecting social stigma around sex before marriage.
Example: Melia is repeatedly described as ruined.
What does the repetition of ‘ruined’ signify in Hardy’s poem?
It has become Melia’s identity, defining her despite her lovely possessions, similar to Gatsby’s parties not compensating for social class differences.
What marketplace concept does Hardy explore regarding virginity and sex?
He critiques the difference between the physical and moral worth of one’s sexual identity, similar to themes in ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles.’
How do changes in metre affect the poem?
The slight changes in metre emphasise the differences between the two women.
