Old Woman

Biodata

Background / History

The Old Woman arranged her daughter's marriage in exchange for betrothal gifts. Her daughter resented her for this, describing it as being sold. The Old Woman defended the arrangement by pointing to her daughter's fine clothing, gold and silver, and greater material comfort compared with other village women 5421.

After her daughter went years without returning home because of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, the Old Woman went to visit her, bringing bags of items. Household servants initially tried to turn her away. She shouted and attracted passersby, which secured her entry into the residence, but her daughter never appeared. A maidservant instead told her to leave and take everything she had brought back with her. Despite her pleading and protests, servant women dragged her away 5421.

She subsequently boarded an ox cart and struck up a conversation with another woman riding home. They quickly became friendly. When asked why her daughter had refused to see her, the Old Woman admitted she did not know, but suspected lingering resentment over the marriage arrangement 5421.

Appearance

• Elderly but described as capable; she boards the ox cart easily while laden with bags 5421.

Personality

The Old Woman is outspoken when challenged: she makes a public scene at the residence and continues protesting when told to leave. Her unsuccessful visit nevertheless leaves her stunned and dejected 5421.

She measures the success of her daughter's marriage through material prosperity. Rather than accepting her daughter's grievance, she argues that no other village girl lives better and contrasts the wealthy household with the relentless work of rural married life 5421.

Relationships

• Daughter — Estranged daughter who has not visited her maternal home in years. The Old Woman misses her, but believes she still resents the marriage arranged for betrothal gifts 5421.
• Unnamed woman on the ox cart — Fellow passenger and sympathetic listener. She supports the Old Woman's view that becoming a wife in a wealthy household is desirable and suggests the daughter will eventually understand 5421.
• Daughter's household servants — Prevent her from meeting her daughter; a maidservant relays the instruction to leave, and servant women forcibly remove her 5421.

Notable Quotes

“She blames me for selling her for the betrothal gifts.” 5421

“No other girls in the village are living better than her.” 5421