A Trampwoman's Tragedy
The narrative follows a woman who travels with a group, including her lover and a rival, John. As they journey through the countryside, the woman engages in playful teasing, unaware of the emotional turmoil her lover experiences regarding her pregnancy. Tensions escalate when her lover confronts her about the child's paternity, leading to a violent confrontation where he kills John in a fit of rage. After the murder, the woman is left to navigate her grief and isolation. She gives birth to a stillborn child and loses her companion, Mother Lee, leaving her completely alone. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of impulsive actions. The woman's haunting memories of her lover and the tragic events unfold against the backdrop of the natural landscape, emphasizing her solitude and despair. Ultimately, she is left to wander the moors, grappling with her past and the ghosts of her choices.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Tragedy, Poetry, Romance · 1,053 words
First lines
(182–)
I. FROM Wynyard's Gap the livelong day, The livelong day, We beat afoot the northward way We had travelled times before. The sun-blaze burning on our backs, Our shoulders sticking to our packs, By fosseway, fields, and turnpike tracks We skirted sad Sedge-Moor.
What this Textopian page supports
A Trampwoman's Tragedy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Poetry, Romance, Social Commentary, Gothic
- Length: 1,053 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Trampwoman's Tragedy by Thomas Hardy
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on themes of despair, loss, and fatal consequences, characteristic of tragic literature.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romance — The plot involves romantic relationships and emotional entanglements, highlighting love and betrayal.
- Social Commentary — The story reflects on societal issues, including class struggles and the plight of women.
Tags
tragedy · social issues · feminism · class struggle · Victorian literature · gender roles · poverty · love · betrayal · identity · moral conflict · rural life