The Withered Arm by 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, 263 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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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.
Tags
tragedy · rural · love · jealousy · social class · superstition · suffering · betrayal · isolation · fate · regret · identity
Contents
- Chapter 1: A Lorn Milkmaid
- Chapter 2: The Young Wife
- Chapter 3: A Vision
- Chapter 4: A Suggestion
- Chapter 5: Conjuror Trendle
- Chapter 6: A Second Attempt
- Chapter 7: A Ride
- Chapter 8: A Water-side Hermit
- Chapter 9: A Rencounter