'Ruined Maid' Summary

The poem 'Ruined Maid' presents a poignant portrayal of a young woman's fall from grace in Victorian England. The speaker, once admired and courted, finds herself abandoned and pregnant after a relationship with a man of higher social standing. She recounts the story of her lost innocence and the harsh judgment she faces from her community. The poem uses a simple, conversational tone to effectively depict the devastating impact of her situation. The speaker's voice reflects her desperation and her yearning for a different life. The poem ends with a stark realization of her fate, highlighting the tragic reality faced by many women in that era, where social expectations and limited opportunities constrained their choices and ultimately led to a life of shame and isolation.