The Ruined Maid By Thomas Hardy A sample presentation by Mrs. Takemoto for Senior English Students

Thomas Hardy Victorian era poet ( ) Victorian era poet ( ) Born in England Born in England Married, Emma, who preceded him in death despite his ill health, remarried Married, Emma, who preceded him in death despite his ill health, remarried No children No children Earned Gold medal from Royal Soc. Of Literature Earned Gold medal from Royal Soc. Of Literature Writes about the ironies in Victorian Morality and pain in the human experience Writes about the ironies in Victorian Morality and pain in the human experience

Literary Techniques in The Ruined Maid Irony – The woman who is “ruined” by prostitution is living the better life. Irony – The woman who is “ruined” by prostitution is living the better life.  Nice clothes  Freedom to be in town  Better diction/vocabulary  Smoother skin  Feathers and gown

Literary Techniques (Cont.) Poem utilizes “dialogue” to uncover its meaning Poem utilizes “dialogue” to uncover its meaning –“Ruined” maid – Melia – is being spoken to by the “raw country girl” who remains unnamed throughout the poem Pun – play on words – in the name “’Melia” which could be associated with the word “ameliorate” which means to improve or make better Pun – play on words – in the name “’Melia” which could be associated with the word “ameliorate” which means to improve or make better

Rhyme Scheme The poet has used the following rhyme scheme: aabb, ccdd, etc. The poet has used the following rhyme scheme: aabb, ccdd, etc. –Shown by the words (crown and town; prosperi – tee and she; socks and docks, etc.)

Assonance & Alliteration Use of related vowels sounds within lines: Use of related vowels sounds within lines: –Spudding up; thik oon, theas oon, and t’other Use of same initial consonants in the words: Use of same initial consonants in the words: –Shoes/socks; Blue/bleak; bracelets/bright

Theme The poet exposes the hypocrisy in Victorian society as shown in the following information: The poet exposes the hypocrisy in Victorian society as shown in the following information: –Morality – the “ruined” maid has chosen an equality difficult but unacceptable occupation making her “unmarriageable” in Victorian society –Social Position – although “ruined” in society, the prostitute enjoys less physical labor and many materialistic benefits as well

Maya Angelou Her Poem “Still I Rise” contains a similar sentiment written about oppression but which also pertains to women: Her Poem “Still I Rise” contains a similar sentiment written about oppression but which also pertains to women: Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?

Bibliography Various Googled images (Hardy, Maid) Various Googled images (Hardy, Maid) ?qid= AAhsqTE ?qid= AAhsqTE ?qid= AAhsqTE ?qid= AAhsqTE