A Wife and Another by Thomas Hardy
The narrative unfolds in a post-war setting where a woman grapples with the return of her husband, who has been away at war. She discovers that he has been corresponding with another woman, leading to feelings of betrayal and suspicion. The protagonist intercepts a letter revealing that her husband intends to stay with this other woman upon his return. Determined to confront the situation, she devises a plan to reach the inn before her husband and the other woman. Upon arrival, she finds the other woman in a state of despair, indicating the emotional turmoil surrounding their situation. When her husband arrives, the confrontation reveals the depth of their entanglement, as the other woman discloses that she is pregnant with his child. In a moment of unexpected clarity, the protagonist experiences a shift in her feelings. Rather than succumbing to jealousy or rage, she chooses to forgive the other woman and expresses a willingness to care for her and the child. This act of reconciliation signifies a profound transformation in her character, as she embraces a sense of grace and compassion. The story concludes with the protagonist leaving the couple together, feeling a sense of peace despite her own childless state. The resolution highlights themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately suggesting that forgiveness can lead to personal growth and understanding.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Drama, Poetry, Romance · 584 words
First lines
"WAR ends, and he's returning Early; yea, The evening next to-morrow's! "- -This I say To her, whom I suspiciously survey,
Holding my husband's letter To her view. - She glanced at it but lightly, And I knew That one from him that day had reached her too.
What this Textopian page supports
A Wife and Another 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: Drama, Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 584 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Sisters Tragedy by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
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- His Wedded Wife by Rudyard Kipling
- Two Wives by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Drama — The intense emotional conflict and character interactions drive the narrative, focusing on personal relationships and moral dilemmas.
- Poetry — The work's structure and language exhibit poetic qualities, with rhythm and imagery enhancing the emotional depth.
- Romance — Themes of love, betrayal, and reconciliation are central to the plot, exploring complex romantic relationships.
- Tragedy — The characters face profound emotional suffering and moral consequences, typical of tragic narratives.
Tags
marriage · infidelity · love · betrayal · society · gender roles · Victorian era · relationships · family · conflict · morality · secrets