In the story of 'The Withered Arm', there are four main characters: Rhoda who is a milkmaid, Gertrude who is Farmer Lodge's new wife, Farmer Lodge who owns the farmhouse and the Son whose parents are Rhoda and Farmer Lodge. At the beginning of the story Rhoda becomes pregnant and soon after splits up with Farmer Lodge. She is outcast because people think she is a witch. Then eight years have past and Farmer Lodge brings back his new wife Gertrude Lodge (who is quite young and beautiful). Rhoda is jealous of her and sends her son who is now eight to go and look at her. A few weeks later Rhoda has a vision in her sleep and curses Gertrude. The next day Gertrude and Rhoda meet for the first time and Rhoda finds that she has a withered arm (from the vision last night), which she didn't have before. Over time, they both become friends and Gertrude asks Rhoda if she will come with her to see Conjuror Trendle as he is thought to be the only person who can help cure Gertrude's withered arm. Conjuror Trendle does not do this but he does tell her that Rhoda has cursed her.
             Over the winter rumors start to spread and people think that Rhoda has bewitched Gertrude. Because of these rumors both her and her son run away. About 6 years later Gertrude finds out about the affair between Rhoda and her husband. Gertrude returns to visit Conjuror Trendle once more as she thinks Farmer Lodge does not love her any more. This time he suggests that she has to touches the neck of a recently hung man with her withered arm as this may cure it. Months later Gertrude goes to Caster Bridge but it is too late and so she has to wait for the next hanging, which is not for several months. She comes back later that year and talks the hangman into letting her touch the hung mans body. Soon after she has touched the neck of the man she sees Rhoda and her husband. They are here to pick up their sons body (who had just been h
             ...