# XXXI explained — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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

## What happens

Helen records the deterioration of her marriage to Arthur Huntingdon, who returns from a trip in worse temper and refuses to let her mourn her father's death. She observes the dynamics among their guests, including Lord Lowborough's estrangement from Annabella and the influence of Grimsby and Hattersley on Arthur's drinking. Helen longs for Milicent's company and struggles to maintain her composure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alcoholism and Dissipation

Arthur's drinking is encouraged by Grimsby and Hattersley, leading to 'positive excess' and Helen's despair.

### Gender Roles and Marriage

Helen is trapped in a marriage where her grief and needs are dismissed, and she must endure her husband's behavior.

### Hypocrisy and Social Judgment

Annabella's cordiality hides her true nature, and Lord Lowborough is judged for not drinking with the men.

## Character check-ins

### Helen Huntingdon

Narrates her growing weariness with Arthur's behavior and her efforts to maintain peace.

### Arthur Huntingdon

Returns from London in worse temper, dismisses Helen's grief over her father's death, and indulges in drinking with Grimsby and Hattersley.

### Annabella Wilmot

Now Lady Lowborough; Helen dislikes her for her past behavior, though she has recently treated Lord Lowborough with more propriety.

### Lord Lowborough

Leaves the dining room early, avoids drinking, and is rebuked by Annabella for joining the ladies; he leaves the house in distress.

### Milicent Hargrave

Now married to Hattersley; Helen looks forward to her visit and hopes her child will play with little Arthur.

### Ralph Hattersley

Encourages Arthur's drinking and shouts for more wine; his presence is a negative influence.

## Key lines

> I am tired out with his injustice, his selfishness and hopeless depravity.

Helen is exhausted by Arthur's unfairness, selfishness, and complete moral corruption.

_Helen's growing disillusionment with her husband._

> Surely that man will make me dislike him at last!

Helen fears that Arthur's behavior will eventually destroy her love for him.

_A turning point in Helen's emotional endurance._

> It is like handling brier-roses and may-blossoms, bright enough to the eye, and outwardly soft to the touch, but you know there are thorns beneath.

Helen compares Annabella's apparent friendliness to a beautiful but thorny plant.

_Helen's distrust of Annabella's cordiality._

## Links

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