Comparing the Suffering Between Rhoda in The Withered Arm and The Son's Veto

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Comparing the Suffering Between Rhoda in The Withered Arm and The Son's Veto

in the tale 'The Withered Arm' in the story 'The Son's Veto' are both

very lonely women. Both of these women and have been mistreated by

men, but none of them ever speak out for themselves to tell the men

that their behaviour is unacceptable. Women who were treated by men

were just expected by their fathers (if the husband is rich) to just

keep quiet and be happy that they are financially supported. Rhoda is

a social reject. She has been isolated to a small, dilapidated cottage

in the middle of a lonely field. Rhoda is of the poor working class.

She has received no education and is illiterate. Her son wears worn

out shoes that rub his feet. Farmer Lodge, the sons biological father

takes no responsibility for his son and does not support Rhoda

financially. This shows that Farmer Lodge is irresponsible and

dismisses his responsibilities. Thomas Hardy was born in mid-19th

century Dorset. In his lifetime, he wrote many books and poems, and

whilst practically all tell a simple story, within them Hardy writes

of many themes, such as love and marriage.

'The Withered Arm'. We are introduced to Rhoda Brook, who it becomes

clear is Farmer Lodge's ex-wife. Already we can see that a love

relationship started off well, otherwise they would not have married,

and failed, because they split up. Farmer Lodge has a new wife,

Gertrude Lodge, and the first time they are introduced it seems they

are happy newly weds, and Farmer Lodge talks affectionately to her 'You

must expect to be stared at just at first, my pretty Gertrude'. But as

Gertrude's arm becomes withered, Farmer ...

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...as to use a wheelchair. Her son is also very

patronising, as Sophy is middle class and he is upper class. Sophy's

former husband died before the story began, as the story goes back in

time to show the readers how her life was. Due to Sophy's son'

education he is drifting further and further away from her, which

brings misery to her life. She thinks over about the marriage she

could of accepted and wonders if she would have been a lot happier,

which shows her discomfort and suffering of her in the present time.

Sophy's son is also trying to control her destiny, and Sophy is also

unable to admit that she is love with a man.

As a conclusion, I think all the women suffered equally, I believe

this because they all have different strengths of character in which

will help them cope with issues before they start suffering.

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