The 'revenge' does seem a bit vicious, but then again who of us has been through poverty and eviction which resulted in the death of our spouse, and would not that be an understandable feeling? I wonder if by the time the Hughes collection came out, and the story was distant in time, revenge just seemed too un-Christian a sentiment to put into a polite publication.

I did not know about 'term days' so that certainly sheds new light on the time of year.   Was there no grace period at all after the rent was due? In our modern day they have to give notice and give people time to raise the rent if they can.

And I agree, it is a tricky song to try to sing well without 'chewing the scenery' or yet understating the story.