Essay Questions

How Does Mr. Vincent Hemming betray Mary?

Mary and her younger brother relocate to London after the burial of their father. Mary and her brother are now orphans because their mother died while they were very young. While in London, Mary joins journalism and Meets Mr. Hemming. Mary loves him profoundly, and within no time, they become lovers. Mary dreams that one day she will be married to him and have a happy family. All this time, Hemming plays with Mary's mind, and he does not reveal that he is a married man with a daughter. Hemming leaves London and promises to be back. Mary waits anxiously waiting for the love of her life so that she can tie a knot with him and start a happy family. Satirically, Hemming comes back to London with his wife and a daughter. Mary feels betrayed despite Hemming's excuses that he does not love his first wife.

What is the most challenging resolution taken by Mary in her lifetime?

Mary is eagerly waiting to get married to Hemming, and she has high expectations. Unfortunately, Hemming comes back with his first wife, something that heartbreaks Mary. However, Hemming confesses that he loves Mary and convinces her that he does not love the first wife. Mary makes up her mind not to continue her sexual relationship with Hemming because she is likely to hurt his first wife. Mary puts herself in the shoes of Hemming's first wife and decides to discontinue the relationship.

How significant is the title ‘The Story of a Modern Woman’?

The author intends to compare the contemporary woman to the conventional one. Mary is a modern woman, orphaned at an early age. Mary works hard to sustain her needs, and those of her brother. Mary understands that she must work hard to meet her needs, and she is not ready to depend on a man to do so. Consequently, the modern woman is independent in every aspect. This book's title is significant because it explains that a modern woman is well informed and empowered to be self-sufficient.