The Tenant of Wildfell Hall · Chapter
The Party at the Vicarage explained
Gilbert Markham describes a lively evening party at his mother's home, where the guests include the Millwards, the Wilsons, and Mr.
What happens
Gilbert Markham describes a lively evening party at his mother's home, where the guests include the Millwards, the Wilsons, and Mr. Lawrence. The conversation turns to Mrs. Graham's unusual views on alcohol and child-rearing, sparking a debate between the vicar Mr. Millward and Mr. Lawrence. Gilbert dances with Eliza Millward and steals a kiss, only to be rebuked by his mother afterward. Mr. Lawrence's reserved behavior and his evasiveness about Mrs. Graham are noted.
Themes in this chapter
Alcoholism and Dissipation
The debate over Mrs. Graham's prohibition of alcohol for her son highlights contrasting views on temperance, abstinence, and the dangers of excess.
Hypocrisy and Social Judgment
Mrs. Markham and Mr. Millward criticize Mrs. Graham's methods while indulging in alcohol themselves, revealing social hypocrisy.
Class and Social Mobility
Mr. Lawrence's reserved demeanor and his position as a landlord subtly underscore class distinctions and the social dynamics of the gathering.
Characters to notice
- Gilbert Markham
Narrator and host; dances with Eliza Millward and steals a kiss, earning a rebuke from his mother.
- Eliza Millward
Coquettish and charming; clearly enjoys Gilbert's attention during the party.
- Frederick Lawrence
Reserved and polite; evades questions about Mrs. Graham and defends her child-rearing methods in the debate.
- Mrs. Markham
Hostess; criticizes Mrs. Graham's views on alcohol and later scolds Gilbert for his behavior with Eliza.
- Michael Millward
Vicar; condemns Mrs. Graham's approach to alcohol as criminal and argues for moderation.
- Rose Markham
Gilbert's sister; natural and vivacious, she encourages Miss Wilson to sing.
Key passages
“His heart was like a sensitive plant, that opens for a moment in the sunshine, but curls up and shrinks into itself at the slightest touch of the finger, or the lightest breath of wind.”
Mr. Lawrence's heart is extremely sensitive, briefly opening up in favorable conditions but quickly retreating at any hint of criticism or pressure.
Gilbert uses a metaphor to describe Lawrence's emotional reserve and fragility.
“I don't pretend to be a judge of such matters, but it seems to me, that this plan of Mrs. Graham's, as you describe it, Mrs. Markham, extraordinary as it may be, is not without its advantages; for here you see the child is delivered at once from temptation; he has no secret curiosity, no hankering desire; he is as well acquainted with the tempting liquors as he ever wishes to be; and is thoroughly disgusted with them, without having suffered from their effects.”
Mr. Lawrence suggests that Mrs. Graham's method of allowing her son to taste alcohol may actually protect him by removing curiosity and disgust without harm.
Lawrence offers a measured defense of Mrs. Graham's unconventional approach to child-rearing.