“I did; and what is more, Mr. Meeson, I think that you ought to be very much obliged to me; for I daresay that I shall often be sorry for it.” “I am very much obliged,” answered Eustace; “I had no right to expect such a thing, and, in short, I do not know what to say. I should never have thought that any woman was capable of such a sacrifice for– for a comparative stranger.” (Chapter 14, 98)

The story is supposed to be a satirical critique of society and the legal system of the time. I keep wondering what the purpose of the tattoo is. It is earlier described as “savage” by one of the sailors and Augusta calls it a “sacrifice”. An unkind and greedy man she owes nothing to has permanently altered her body. She tries to dignify the decision by claiming it will show her genuine affection for Eustace. At the end of the chapter, it is very clear that he is going to show his gratitude by proposing to her, even though he hardly knows her. She is portrayed as this “new woman” who came from nothing and has become a somewhat successful writer. Yet, she does this foolish thing that she is now ashamed of for a man she too hardly knows. She goes on to question his love for her but she also has done unimaginable things based on extreme emotions. It is clear that there is undoubtedly irony in the tattoo if it is meaningless. And there is a lot of satire about the emotions they feel for each other and how their most recent meetings come about. Augusta could live a life of fulfillment and success from her talent and those connections that it could bring her, yet, she allows men to control her decisions and her body.

What does Haggard want his readers to feel or think about the tattoo? What would people during this time think when they read about it? Are readers supposed to find joy and entertainment in their love or find it to be a joke? Is he making a comment on how unfair and patriarchal society and the law system are or are we supposed to find humanity in the misogyny?

In class discussion:

  • Exposing yourself to men
  • Purity–> damaged
  • Demeaning and loss of dignity
  • “gentle-natured devoted woman” would sacrifice
  • She has become a document for property exchange
  • “Claim”