# XXXVII explained — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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

## What happens

Walter Hargrave confesses his long-standing love for Helen Huntingdon, arguing that she is miserable and should allow herself to love him. Helen rebuffs him firmly, citing her religious faith, her duty to her son, and her concern for his family's reputation. Despite his persistent advances, she maintains her resolve and takes measures to avoid him, including curtailing visits to the Grove and taking Rachel on walks for protection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Independence

Helen asserts her autonomy by rejecting Walter's advances and controlling her own movements to avoid his pursuit.

### Hypocrisy and Social Judgment

Walter's claim of 'disinterested affection' is undercut by his selfish persistence and disregard for Helen's stated wishes.

### Redemption and Moral Reform

Helen's steadfast adherence to her religious and moral principles contrasts with Walter's attempts to rationalize a forbidden relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Helen Huntingdon

Firmly rejects Walter Hargrave's advances, citing her faith, duty to her son, and concern for others' peace of mind.

### Walter Hargrave

Confesses his love for Helen, argues passionately for her affection, and continues to pursue her despite repeated rebuffs.

### Esther Hargrave

Visits with her brother, plays with little Arthur, and is perplexed by the tension between Helen and Walter.

### Little Arthur

Plays with Esther Hargrave in the garden and reenters the room during Helen and Walter's tense conversation.

### Rachel

Watches for Walter Hargrave's movements from the nursery window and accompanies Helen on walks to prevent unwanted encounters.

## Key lines

> For upwards of three years I have endured a perfect martyrdom. From the anguish of suppressed emotions, intense and fruitless longings, silent sorrow, crushed hopes, and trampled affections, I have suffered more than I can tell, or you imagine⁠—and you were the cause of it, and not altogether the innocent cause.

Walter claims he has suffered for three years because of his love for Helen, and blames her for his pain.

_Walter's dramatic declaration of suffering is a key part of his appeal to Helen's sympathy._

> I have a son, Mr. Hargrave, and you have a mother.

Helen reminds Walter that their actions would affect their families, not just themselves.

_Helen uses familial duty as a reason to reject Walter's proposal of secrecy._

> If you have, never mention this subject again. You cannot recur to

Helen tells Walter that if he truly loves her, he will never speak of his feelings again.

_Helen sets a condition for any future interaction, demanding silence on the matter._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters