# XX explained — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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

## What happens

Helen defends her love for Arthur Huntingdon to her aunt, arguing that his faults stem from a poor upbringing and that she can reform him. She reveals her universalist interpretation of scripture, insisting that even the wicked may ultimately be saved. After church, where Huntingdon behaves irreverently, Helen accepts his marriage proposal despite her aunt's objections. She insists on delaying the wedding until after Christmas, and later meets Huntingdon in a morning walk, where he promises to reform and win over her guardians.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender Roles and Marriage

Helen's decision to marry Huntingdon despite her aunt's warnings illustrates the tension between romantic love and societal expectations of a 'good' match.

### Hypocrisy and Social Judgment

Huntingdon's mock piety in church and his plan to deceive Aunt Maxwell highlight the theme of religious and social hypocrisy.

### Redemption and Moral Reform

Helen believes she can reform Huntingdon through her love and influence, a central motif in her character arc.

## Character check-ins

### Helen Huntingdon

Defends her love for Arthur Huntingdon, argues for universal salvation, accepts his proposal, and insists on delaying the wedding.

### Arthur Huntingdon

Proposes to Helen, behaves irreverently in church, promises to reform and win over her aunt.

### Aunt Maxwell

Opposes the match, warns Helen about Huntingdon's character, and engages in theological debate about damnation.

### Gilbert Markham

Narrator of the chapter, though not directly present in the excerpts; the diary entries are Helen's.

### Annabella Wilmot

Excuses herself from afternoon church service.

### Lord Lowborough

Excuses himself from afternoon church service.

## Key lines

> his wife shall undo what his mother did!

Helen vows to correct the damage done by Huntingdon's indulgent mother through her own influence as his wife.

_Helen's belief in her power to reform her husband._

> I say yes, uncle

Helen accepts Huntingdon's marriage proposal without hesitation.

_Helen's decisive acceptance of the proposal._

> I am in no hurry at all. How can I be, when I think of the momentous change that awaits me, and of all I have to leave?

Helen feels no urgency to marry quickly, aware of the significant life change it represents.

_Helen's ambivalence about the wedding date._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xx
- 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