The Tenant of Wildfell Hall · Chapter
VI explained
Over the next four months, Gilbert Markham's acquaintance with Mrs.
What happens
Over the next four months, Gilbert Markham's acquaintance with Mrs. Graham slowly deepens. He frequently seeks her company during her walks on the moors with her son Arthur, and they develop a friendship. Gilbert finds himself increasingly drawn to her, comparing her favorably to Eliza Millward. A notable encounter occurs in March when he watches her sketch by a brook, and later he walks her partway home, where she confesses the desolate loneliness of Wildfell Hall. After parting, Gilbert meets Mr. Lawrence, and a tense exchange reveals Lawrence's apparent interest in Mrs. Graham and Gilbert's own shifting affections.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Independence
Helen's choice to live alone at Wildfell Hall, her sketching, and her guarded interactions with Gilbert illustrate her struggle for autonomy within a judgmental society.
Hypocrisy and Social Judgment
The community's gossip about Mrs. Graham and Gilbert's own internal conflict between his attraction to her and societal expectations highlight the theme of social hypocrisy.
Art and Self-Expression
Helen's sketching of trees in winter is a key moment, showing her use of art as a means of personal expression and escape.
Characters to notice
- Gilbert Markham
Narrator and protagonist; actively seeks out Mrs. Graham's company, compares her favorably to Eliza Millward, and begins to question his own feelings.
- Helen Huntingdon
The mysterious tenant; engages in sketching and walking with her son, shows guarded warmth toward Gilbert, and reveals her loneliness at Wildfell Hall.
- Little Arthur
Helen's young son; enjoys playing with Sancho and riding the horse, and forms a close bond with Gilbert.
- Eliza Millward
Gilbert's former romantic interest; he finds her frivolous and insipid compared to Mrs. Graham.
- Frederick Lawrence
Encountered by Gilbert after his walk with Helen; their conversation hints at Lawrence's own interest in Mrs. Graham and Gilbert's changing opinions.
- Rose Markham
Gilbert's sister; present with Eliza in the parlour when Gilbert returns home.
Key passages
“I found her rather frivolous, and even a little insipid, compared with the more mature and earnest Mrs. Graham.”
Gilbert realizes that Eliza seems shallow and uninteresting next to the depth and seriousness of Mrs. Graham.
Highlights Gilbert's shifting affections and his growing admiration for Helen's character.
“On winter evenings, when Arthur is in bed, and I am sitting there alone, hearing the bleak wind moaning round me and howling through the ruinous old chambers, no books or occupations can repress the dismal thoughts and apprehensions that come crowding in.”
Helen confesses that the loneliness and eerie atmosphere of Wildfell Hall overwhelm her, despite her efforts to distract herself.
Reveals Helen's vulnerability and the emotional toll of her isolated life.
“I in love with her! What makes you dream of such a thing?”
Lawrence laughs off Gilbert's accusation that he is in love with Mrs. Graham, but his reaction seems evasive.
Suggests Lawrence may have hidden feelings or secrets regarding Helen.