The Tenant of Wildfell Hall · Chapter
XXXV explained
Helen endures Lady Lowborough's taunts and her husband's infidelity on the last day before the guests depart.
What happens
Helen endures Lady Lowborough's taunts and her husband's infidelity on the last day before the guests depart. She confronts Annabella's audacity and receives an apology from Walter Hargrave for his earlier presumption, while struggling with her own bitter emotions and the strain of maintaining composure.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Judgment
Annabella's pretense of helping Helen by 'reforming' Arthur masks her own adulterous intentions, while the company's silent complicity highlights societal hypocrisy.
Female Agency and Independence
Helen's internal struggle to suppress her fury and maintain dignity in the face of provocation underscores the constraints on women's emotional expression.
Alcoholism and Dissipation
Annabella's claim to have 'reformed' Arthur from his drinking habits points to the ongoing theme of dissipation and its impact on marital relations.
Characters to notice
- Helen Huntingdon
Struggles to contain her fury at Annabella's provocations and Arthur's complicity, while maintaining a facade of indifference.
- Annabella Wilmot
Openly taunts Helen and displays affection for Arthur, growing more audacious as her departure approaches.
- Arthur Huntingdon
Encourages Annabella's attentions and laughs at Helen's distress, showing no remorse.
- Walter Hargrave
Seeks Helen's forgiveness for his earlier presumption and expresses regret, but is met with coldness.
- Frank Grimsby
Leers at Helen with a significant glance as she passes, implying malicious amusement.
- Ralph Hattersley
Whispers a coarse joke to Hargrave, contributing to the oppressive social atmosphere.
Key passages
“Instead of being humbled and purified by my afflictions, I feel that they are turning my nature into gall.”
Rather than becoming more virtuous through suffering, Helen feels her hardships are making her bitter and vengeful.
Helen reflects on the corrosive effect of her husband's betrayal on her own character.
“I gave her a look that blighted the malicious smile on her face, or checked it, at least for a moment, and departed.”
Helen silenced Annabella's taunting smile with a fierce glare before leaving the room.
Helen's restrained but powerful response to Annabella's provocation.
“I cannot bestow my esteem on all who desire it, unless they deserve it too.”
Helen tells Hargrave that respect must be earned, not simply requested.
Helen asserts her moral standards in response to Hargrave's plea for forgiveness.