The short story "The Withered Arm" explores the role of women in society, their subservience to men as well as their independence while at all times maintaining an understanding of their struggles. The author, Thomas Hardy, reflects sympathetically on the view of women in the late 19th century, through the use of language, structure and contrast and the exploration of a patriarchal society. Many argue that Rhoda Brook's life can be seen as an example of patriarchal oppression, further reflected in Gertrude's submission to her husband and acceptance of being a trophy wife and in the dominant idea she reaffirmed that "men think so much to personal appearance". Although completely rejected by society, it is Rhoda, the “thin, endangered woman” who prevails in society and lives through hardship, not conforming to society's rules. Thomas Hardy may have experienced the greatest political era for women which included the suffragette movement and so his education and political awareness of the issues of the time allowed him to write a short story which conveys his opinion that women who were able to survive the brutality of the 19th century, without relying on the power of men, should be the ones acclaimed, as seen by Rhoda's survival alone. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay For a modern feminist critical reader, the emphasis on Rhoda's status and her apparent representation as "other," "lack," and "nature" is explicit in Hardy's telling of the story. Throughout the story it is emphasized that Rhoda finds herself "on the other side" of society, leaving her "alone" and rejected even by those women who have the same status as her and who should be sympathetic to her cause - instead they separate themselves from shame women and take them “to the other side of the barton”, emphasizing the “distance” in their separation. The “mud” house further represents her erosion, with none of her “original flat face visible”, Rhoda's beauty is no longer visible there, and has instead been worn away over the centuries leaving only a “bone protruding through the skin." The motif of bones, hands and arms can also be seen throughout the novel, helping to contrast the character of Rhoda and Gertrude from a Marxist and feminist point of view as Gertrude's hands are not the ones that "look like she ever has done the housework or those of the milking machine". hands" due to the fact that Rhoda has taken on the male role in society, both being the sole parent of her child and supporting the sole income for her family, this therefore means that her social status is lower than that of Gertrude. Yes can explore that Thomas Hardy proposes “The Withered Arm” as a condemnation of women who conform to patriarchal society, instead of fighting it. It can be seen that Rhoda is punished for her short history with Farmer Lodge with rejection from society, the her low social class and the loss of beauty, what made her desirable in the first place – these together have caused her a multitude of suffering. Likewise, Gertrude suffers the same fate, her submission and acceptance of patriarchal society ultimately led to death.Thus it can be seen that Thomas Hardy's intention is to reflect his criticism of patriarchal society and its negative effect on women. It can be argued that there is a prevailing theme of physiognomy reflected through attitudes towards the.