Plot summary, “The Withered Arm and Other Stories” by Thomas Hardy in 3 Minutes - Book Review

Summary

Thomas Hardy's 'The Withered Arm and Other Stories' is a collection of short stories set in the fictional Wessex, exploring local folklore, superstition, and the complexities of human nature. The titular story follows Rhoda Brook, a woman who, after a vivid dream of her landlord's wife, finds the woman's arm withered in reality. As Gertrude's health declines, she seeks a cure through a shaman, leading to a tragic end. The collection critiques Victorian gender norms and the institution of marriage, offering a compelling look at 19th-century British subjectivity.

Takeaways

• 📚 **'The Withered Arm and Other Stories'** is a collection of Thomas Hardy's short fiction.
• ✍️ The stories were written between 1874 and 1888, reflecting Hardy's early writing period.
• 🗺️ The tales are set in the fictional region of Britain known as Wessex.
• 👻 They incorporate local folklore, superstition, and myth to create complex characters.
• 🎭 Hardy experiments with various genres, including ghost stories and suspense.
• 🏆 The title story, 'The Withered Arm', is often regarded as Hardy's best short story.
• 👩‍👦 It follows Rhoda Brook, a woman with an illegitimate child, and her jealousy towards the landlord's new wife, Gertrude.
• 🤕 Gertrude mysteriously develops pain and bruises on her arm after Rhoda's dream about an incubus.
• 🔮 Rhoda and Gertrude form an unlikely friendship despite the supernatural events.
• 🏥 Gertrude seeks help from a shaman, Conjurer Trendle, to cure her arm's atrophy.
• 💔 The story concludes with Gertrude's tragic death and Rhoda's retreat into a hermit's life.

Q & A

Who is the author of 'The Withered Arm and Other Stories'?

The author is Thomas Hardy, an English poet and novelist.

What is the time period in which the stories were produced?

The stories were produced between 1874 and 1888.

What is the fictional region in Britain where the stories take place?

The stories take place in a fictional region called Wessex.

What elements are used to build character sketches in the stories?

Local folklore, superstition, and myth are used to build brief yet complex character sketches.

What is the title of the collection's most often considered best short story?

The title of the collection's most often considered best short story is 'The Withered Arm'.

Who is the protagonist of 'The Withered Arm'?

The protagonist of 'The Withered Arm' is Rhoda Brook.

What is the significance of the dream Rhoda has about Gertrude?

In the dream, Rhoda's imagined Gertrude appears as an incubus trying to suffocate her, which later correlates with Gertrude's mysterious bruising.

What is the role of Conjurer Trendle in the story?

Conjurer Trendle is a shaman who is sought out by Gertrude to cure her withered arm.

How does Gertrude's character change over the course of the story?

Gertrude's character changes from being kind and likable to hostile and superstitious after her arm withers.

What is the ultimate fate of Gertrude in the story?

Gertrude dies from shock after realizing that the hanged man she touched was Rhoda's son.

How does the story comment on the institution of marriage?

The stories comment on marriage by showing how it can motivate, connect, and drive people apart.

What is the overarching theme of Hardy's stories in the collection?

The overarching theme is an exploration of 19th-century British subjectivity, with a focus on the line between believability and absurdity.