The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy

Name: The Withered Arm
Author: Thomas Hardy

The Withered Arm is a classic novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1888. It is set in rural England in the late 18th century and tells the story of Rhoda Brook, a young milkmaid who is spurned by her former lover, Farmer Lodge. When Rhoda discovers that Lodge has taken a new wife, she is filled with jealousy and despair. In an attempt to win back her former lover, Rhoda visits a local wise woman, who gives her a charm to restore her beauty. However, the charm has an unexpected side effect: Rhoda's arm begins to wither away. As Rhoda's arm continues to deteriorate, she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the power of superstition. The Withered Arm is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the power of superstition. It is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers today.

By Thomas Hardy · First published 1888 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Mystery · 9 chapters · 10,595 words

First lines

It was an eighty-cow dairy, and the troop of milkers, regular and supernumerary, were all at work; for, though the time of year was as yet but early April, the feed lay entirely in water-meadows, and the cows were 'in full pail.' The hour was about six in the evening, and three-fourths of the large, red, rectangular animals having been finished off, there was opportunity for a little conversation.

'He do bring home his bride to-morrow, I hear. They've come as far as Anglebury to-day.'

What this Textopian page supports

The Withered Arm is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomas Hardy, dated 1888 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Thomas Hardy
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction
Length: 10,595 words
Structure: 9 chapters, 392 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Realistic Fiction — The Withered Arm is a realistic fiction novel that follows the life of a woman named Rhoda Brook and her struggles with a supernatural curse.
Romance — The Withered Arm contains a romantic subplot between Rhoda and Farmer Lodge, as they attempt to reconcile their past and present relationships.
Mystery — The Withered Arm contains a mysterious element as Rhoda attempts to uncover the source of her withered arm and the supernatural curse that has been placed upon her.
Historical Fiction — The Withered Arm is set in the 19th century and contains elements of historical accuracy, such as the use of dialect and the description of rural life in England.