The Tenant of Wildfell Hall · Chapter
LI explained
Gilbert Markham, walking home with Eliza Millward, is tormented by her false report that Helen Huntingdon is to marry Walter Hargrave.
What happens
Gilbert Markham, walking home with Eliza Millward, is tormented by her false report that Helen Huntingdon is to marry Walter Hargrave. He rushes to the church where he believes the wedding is taking place, only to discover the bride is Esther Hargrave and the groom is Frederick Lawrence. The revelation brings Gilbert immense relief and joy, though he reflects on Lawrence's secrecy and the lingering obstacles to his own union with Helen.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Judgment
Eliza Millward's false report and malicious delight in Gilbert's distress exemplify social hypocrisy and the cruelty of gossip.
Female Agency and Independence
Esther Hargrave's joyful marriage contrasts with Helen's constrained situation, highlighting different paths for women.
Characters to notice
- Gilbert Markham
Narrator and protagonist; walks with Eliza Millward, is deceived by her false news, and rushes to the church where he discovers the true bride and groom.
- Eliza Millward
Maliciously informs Gilbert that Helen is to marry Walter Hargrave, delighting in his distress.
- Frederick Lawrence
Revealed as the groom marrying Esther Hargrave; Gilbert reflects on his secrecy and possible role in hindering his own relationship with Helen.
- Esther Hargrave
The bride, now Mrs. Lawrence; described as a younger, rosier beauty, full of loving bliss.
- Helen Huntingdon
Mentioned by Esther with a wish for her happiness; Gilbert inwardly responds, hoping she may be as happy as the newlyweds.
Key passages
“I had not half forgiven the old gentleman himself for his ill opinion of Mrs. Huntingdon; for though now constrained to acknowledge himself mistaken in his former judgment, he still maintained that she had done wrong to leave her husband; it was a violation of her sacred duties as a wife, and a tempting of Providence by laying herself open to temptation; and nothing short of bodily ill-usage (and that of no trifling nature) could excuse such a step—nor even that, for in such a case she ought to appeal to the laws for protection.”
Gilbert resents the vicar for still believing Helen was wrong to leave her husband, even though the vicar now admits he misjudged her character.
Highlights the rigid social and religious views on marriage and the limited options for abused wives.
“Oh, it's nothing—it's only too much happiness—and the wish,' sobbed she, 'that our dear Helen were as happy as ourselves.'”
Esther cries from joy and expresses a heartfelt wish that Helen might also find such happiness.
Shows Esther's genuine affection for Helen and contrasts her own bliss with Helen's uncertain fate.