Plot & Events
The story opens with Sophy riding in this type of vehicle.
What is a horse-drawn carriage (or gig)?
The main character and Randolph’s mother.
Who is Sophy Twycott?
The theme showing how social class limits personal happiness.
What is social class inequality?
The author hints early on that Sophy’s life will involve suffering; this is called _______.
What is foreshadowing?
Sophy’s physical disability symbolizes this larger issue.
What is unhappiness and regret with the outcome of her life?
Sophy injures this part of her body, which permanently affects her life.
What is her foot/ankle (leg) injury?
Sophy’s first husband, a vicar.
Who is the vicar Mr. Twycott?
This theme explains Sophy’s lack of independence in decision-making.
What is lack of female independence (or gender inequality)?
The contrast between Sophy’s kindness and Randolph’s coldness is an example of this device.
What is juxtaposition?
The church setting represents this social institution.
What is social authority and moral control?
This man proposes marriage to Sophy later in the story.
Who is Sam Hobson?
Sophy’s son, who strongly judges social class.
Who is Randolph Twycott?
The story highlights the conflict between love and this social force.
What is social class or social expectations?
Hardy uses Sophy’s injury to represent deeper limitations in her life; this device is called _______.
What is symbolism?
Clothing and appearance symbolize this divide in the story.
What is social class division?
Randolph refuses to allow his mother to remarry because of this belief.
What is his belief in strict social class and respectability?
The man who genuinely loves Sophy but is rejected.
Who is Sam Hobson?
Randolph’s actions reflect this theme related to morality and pride.
What is moral hypocrisy or pride?
Randolph’s moral superiority is ironic because of this type of irony.
What is situational irony?
Randolph’s education symbolizes this barrier between him and his mother.
What is emotional distance and class separation?
Near the end of the story, Sophy is living in this emotional and physical state.
What is lonely, dependent, and emotionally trapped?
This character best represents rigid Victorian social values.
Who is Randolph Twycott?
The overall theme emphasizing the consequences of emotional repression.
What are the consequences of repression and obedience to social norms?
The story places two opposing values side by side to highlight class differences; this is known as _______.
What is juxtaposition?
The overall setting reflects the restrictive nature of this historical period.
What is the Victorian era (or Victorian society)?