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Today, on November 21st, 2009, the site contains 196 poets, 8,692 poems and 7,650 comments.
Analysis and comments on The Ruined Maid by Thomas Hardy

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Comment 11 of 11, added on May 18th, 2009 at 5:02 AM.

When one is given lined paper must he or she write the other way. When talking about virtue one must understand that Amelia in this poem is merely happy for she has materialistic things which can be too "ruined." Happiness is a bliss and can often be taken away without regard for concerns. For one's body often is never renewed, when clothes are torn we can get new ones somehow and some way,they are ruined temporarily yet mind, body and soul will forever remain the same.

alejandria slone from Guam from United States
Comment 10 of 11, added on April 20th, 2008 at 9:40 AM.

Although Amelias comments may be percieved as bragging I think that her tone in the poem is not really one of pride and triumph, but more cold and withdrawn and she is simply replying to the other girls questions, as if she is no longer the same happy person she was before she was ruined.

hasan friggle from Oman
Comment 9 of 11, added on May 22nd, 2006 at 8:11 AM.

ummm this is a wicked poemmmmm...
im doing an assingment on it at the moment and i have fallen in love with it.
everytime i read it i undertand it more.
i dont get sick of it.
but umm does someone wanna do my assigment for me?
thanks :]


jade from Australia
Comment 8 of 11, added on April 19th, 2006 at 4:44 AM.

This poem has long been a favorite of mine. In playful verse, Hardy manages to make a life of sin seem more attractive than one of virtue. By contrasting Audrey and her grubby country life of drudgery with that of Amelia, the fallen woman with fine clothes and leisure, he suggests that virtue is its own reward. Audrey's parting comment about wishing she could enjoy such a life is countered by Amelia pointing out that she cannot unless she is also ruined. One wonders if Audrey follows in her friends footsteps. Incidently, Elsa Lanchester recorded this poem as a song on her Bawdy Cockney Songs album, some decades ago. It is a delightful ditty.

Taliaferro Mikel Longbrake from United States
Comment 7 of 11, added on April 8th, 2006 at 9:25 AM.

Understanding Melia's attitude may differ from a reader to another. However, she seemed to be arrogant for she had no shame in expressing her situation as "ruined". This expression was ironic, for her properous look was contrasted to the fact of the inner damage she caused to herself through prostitution. Yet, it indicates that 'All is not gold that glitters'

Afraa Bali from Saudi Arabia
Comment 6 of 11, added on December 12th, 2005 at 7:20 PM.

It's really interesting! It's like a story written in the form of poetry and it contributes very good lesson. One's ruined won't be able to turn back the time. WHat cAn she saY tHen? JUST telling her friend that she is already ruined. Although the appearance is excellent, it can't renew her. To be ruined is miserable.

Via from Indonesia
Comment 5 of 11, added on November 27th, 2005 at 5:23 PM.

"Aye, we learn to be ironic when we're ruined" says she

mary macbeath from United Kingdom
Comment 4 of 11, added on June 13th, 2005 at 3:01 AM.

this poem makes me feel special i feel so in love and so happy when i read this poem it put a smile on my face

derdrie from United Kingdom
Comment 3 of 11, added on March 30th, 2005 at 12:57 PM.

LIke this beautiful poem, i also feel as though i am in love, in love with a man who knows me so well...THis poem is great for any occasion i really enjoy it through and through

Erek Kucher from United States
Comment 2 of 11, added on March 30th, 2005 at 12:36 PM.

how how beautiful, like a lark singing within the confines of a winteress day apon a patch of snow...its words have life beyond belief. I feel as though poetry especially this type really makes me motivated to enjoy all of lifes crevices and turns..hehhe

Erek Kucher from United States

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Information about The Ruined Maid

Poet: Thomas Hardy
Poem: The Ruined Maid
Added: Feb 20 2003
Viewed: 12690 times


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