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The Ruined Maid Essay

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“The Ruined Maid,” is a satirical poem written by the famous English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. The poem was written in the year 1866 but was first published, in a slightly expurgate form, in Poems of The Past and Present in the year 1901. "The Ruined Maid" is about a conversation between two former friends, one of whom has become a wealthy and respected woman, while the other has become a prostitute. As the first girl flaunts her newfound wealth and status, her friend is fascinated but also somewhat appalled, wondering how she could have ended up in such a situation.

“The Ruined Maid" by Thomas Hardy, through the structuralist lens, is a satirical poem that critiques the superficial values and oppressive social structures of the Victorian …show more content…

The poem demonstrates how society values virginity and purity while also fostering an environment in which women are compelled by poverty or a lack of opportunity into desperate situations, such as prostitution. The poem demonstrates how the subject evolved from a simple country girl to a sophisticated, wealthy adult. Comparisons draw attention to the woman's transformation, which the other cannot not but notice. Some lines emphasize how much Amelia's life has improved while also highlighting how tempting and enticing the woman's life full of wealth and privileges was to the …show more content…

Prostitutes are often looked at as disgusting and immoral. The use of dialect in the poem highlights the class difference between the two women and the way society views them. Overall, "The Ruined Maid" is a thought-provoking poem that invites readers to reflect on the societal norms and values that shape our perceptions of women and their roles in

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