Comparing The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy and Turned by Charlotte Perk

Comparing The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy and Turned by Charlotte Perkins Gilman This essay is aimed at discussing the differences between two short stories, called ‘The Withered Arm’ by Thomas Hardy and ‘Turned’ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. These stories have similar plots and both deliver and contrast these in their very own clever ways. They are both based on the idea of triangular relationships, involving two women and a man. In the story ‘Turned’ there is a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Marroner, and their employee who is a young and beautiful Swedish maid who goes by the name of Gerta. In ‘The Withered Arm’ the relationship is between a lady called Rhoda Brook and a farmer called Farmer Lodge and his wife who is called Gertrude. This essay will discuss the similarities and differences between the two stories and their characters, I will also discuss the language used, and the way the same image is effectively conveyed in the two stories. The author of ‘Turned’ is Charlotte Perkins Gilman who was from a poor background and was born in Connecticut, USA, in 1860. The first story she wrote was called ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ which she wrote in 1892. She then went on to write her best-known book, which was called ‘Women and Economics.’ Gilman was a feminist writer who believed that women had the right to their own independence. This is demonstrated in the character of Marion in ‘Turned’, as she is a clever woman with a degree and has a title of doctor. Gilman published ‘Turned’ in 1911 at the time where issues surrounding women rights was becoming more serious and common. On the other hand, Thomas Hardy wrote his novel ‘The Withered Arm’ with men in the powerful positions. For instance Farmer Lodg... ...ld and frail and died and Farmer Lodge became a kind, caring and thoughtful man! Gertrude died three days later in the town â€Å"Her blood had been turned indeed, too far.† After this Rhoda had lost her friend and her son so she decided to resume where she had started where â€Å"Her monotonous milking at the dairy was resumed.† Farmer Lodge on the third corner of this triangular relationship gave up his farms and became a member of the parish after he overcame his remorse and moodiness. â€Å"He eventually changed for the better, and appeared as a chastened and thoughtful man† To conclude this essay, triangular relationships happen and probably always will happen for years to come. It doesn’t make any difference about what century it happens in or if it is from a rich or poor background because affairs, unwanted babies and complicated relationships are part of life.