# II explained — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

> Chapter companion for The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë.

## What happens

Gilbert Markham, after a tense encounter with the mysterious Mrs. Graham, seeks comfort in the company of Eliza Millward. He then recounts his exploration of Wildfell Hall, where he rescues Mrs. Graham's son from a fall, only to be met with her fierce protectiveness and scorn.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Protection

Helen's fierce, almost violent reaction to Gilbert holding her son underscores her protective maternal instincts.

### Hypocrisy and Social Judgment

Gilbert's internal conflict and Helen's scornful demeanor highlight the social tensions and judgments between them.

## Character check-ins

### Gilbert Markham

Narrator and protagonist; experiences frustration with Mrs. Graham and seeks solace with Eliza Millward.

### Helen Huntingdon

Referred to as Mrs. Graham; fiercely protective of her son, initially suspicious of Gilbert.

### Little Arthur

Helen's young son; climbs the garden wall and is rescued by Gilbert.

### Eliza Millward

Gilbert's flirtatious companion; provides him with cheerful conversation after his encounter with Helen.

### Mary Millward

Eliza's quieter sister; mends stockings by the fire and corrects her sister's exaggerations.

### Sancho

Gilbert's dog; attracts little Arthur's attention and helps pacify him after the fall.

## Key lines

> I returned home, angry and dissatisfied—I could scarcely tell you why, and therefore will not attempt it.

Gilbert went home feeling upset and confused, unable to explain his irritation.

_Reflects Gilbert's emotional turmoil after his encounter with Helen._

> I tenderly squeezed her little hand at parting; and she repaid me with one of her softest smiles and most bewitching glances.

Gilbert affectionately held Eliza's hand, and she responded with a charming smile and look.

_Illustrates the flirtatious dynamic between Gilbert and Eliza._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters