Society today has changed monumentally in recent centuries. The differences in how people dress, what people do for work, and how nonchalant people are about their lifestyles. “The Ruined Maid” by Thomas Hardy is a great example of how things were done in the 18th century; it shows how quickly things can change thanks to two friends crossing paths. They start talking about their lives since they were together and how things have changed. It's interesting because this woman talks about all the things that have changed with her friend. She is now more beautiful, but she is still considered “ruined”. WN Herbert calls this “a very irregular irony” (Ruined). “The Ruined Maid” begins with a greeting between two friends. "'O' Melia, my dear, that crowns all! / Who could have imagined that I would have to meet you in town? / And where do such beautiful clothes, such prosperity come from? — / “Oh, you didn’t know I was ruined? she said” (Hardy). It was such a surprise and a true coincidence that they met. The friend begins to observe her “blond clothes” (Hardy). I own the tone because she doesn't like what she sees, like she's giving off a disgusted vibe. Clare Pollard of the BBC's Arrows of Desire says: "To be called ruined in those days would be to suggest that morally you were somehow beyond the bounds, that you were an outcast of society...she can only see the aspects positive aspects of his situation” (Robust). To some extent, I think we agree with each other. Pollard mentions that she, like Amelia, can only see the positive aspects of her situation. Amelia's situation is that she is "ruined" (Hardy) and she can only see the positive while her friend exudes an unpleasant attitude. Pollard doesn't... middle of paper... If she wants to take a walk on the wild side, let her. Society changes with every passing moment, whether we see it or not. This woman who wants to be “ruined” (Hardy) is a change but it ultimately becomes much more. This is the underlying analysis of this writing. Works Cited 11692, Michelle. “The Ruined Maid Analysis.” The word press. Newtonian19, September 26, 2012. Web. November 9, 2013.2.1. The ruined servant. Perf. W. N. Herbert, John Kinsella and Clare Pollard. YouTube. BBC Arrows of Desire, July 15, 2010. Web. November 7, 2013. “The Ruined Maid Interview.” » Personal interview. November 8, 2013. Guz, Savannah S. “Understanding Thomas Hardy’s The Ruined Maid.” » Suite101.com. Suite 101, November 4, 2013. Web. November 7, 2013.Hardy, Thomas. “The Ruined Handmaid’s Tale” Literature and Writing Process. 9th ed. Ed. Elizabeth McMahan et al. Boston: Longman, 2011. 467 - 468. Print.