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cezzatron 's review for:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
by Anne Brontë
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is epistolary in nature, following both Gilbert Markham and Helen Maxwell/Huntington/Graham's journey in love and loss. Gilbert falls in love with Helen, an enigmatic recluse living with her bright-eyed son and old maid. Through letters, Helen reveals her past, portraying her initial reluctance of marriage and its transactional nature in favour of love, which ultimately becomes her downfall.
Love quickly turns to resentment. Arthur Huntingdon poisons himself with alcohol, poisons their marriage with adultery, and poisons their child through encouragement of egregious behaviour. Helen's internal war between adoration and antipathy in the light of her Christian faith leaves her guilt-ridden; her only solace - her son - being taught to hate her.
Anne Brontë then writes against 19th century beliefs on the sometimes brutal constancy of marriage as Helen decides to leave her husband, taking their child and maid with her in the night. Brontë unveils the devastating consequences of marriage and a woman's inferior position in it, whilst also offering a way out. In the Preface Brontë states: “If I have warned one rash youth from following in their steps, or prevented one thoughtless girl from falling into the very natural error of my heroine, the book has not been written in vain.” (4)
I think this book offered beautifully dangerous commentary on the inequality and entrapment of 19th century marriage, whilst also depicting the heartwarming narrative of what one woman will do to protect her son, even if it means sacrificing her own wealth, mental health and stability.
Lastly, I was impressed with Brontë's response to sexist comments on the first edition of this book: “I am satisfied that if a book is a good one, it is so whatever the sex of the author may be. All novels are or should be written for both men and women to read” (5). Well said, Anne.
Love quickly turns to resentment. Arthur Huntingdon poisons himself with alcohol, poisons their marriage with adultery, and poisons their child through encouragement of egregious behaviour. Helen's internal war between adoration and antipathy in the light of her Christian faith leaves her guilt-ridden; her only solace - her son - being taught to hate her.
Anne Brontë then writes against 19th century beliefs on the sometimes brutal constancy of marriage as Helen decides to leave her husband, taking their child and maid with her in the night. Brontë unveils the devastating consequences of marriage and a woman's inferior position in it, whilst also offering a way out. In the Preface Brontë states: “If I have warned one rash youth from following in their steps, or prevented one thoughtless girl from falling into the very natural error of my heroine, the book has not been written in vain.” (4)
I think this book offered beautifully dangerous commentary on the inequality and entrapment of 19th century marriage, whilst also depicting the heartwarming narrative of what one woman will do to protect her son, even if it means sacrificing her own wealth, mental health and stability.
Lastly, I was impressed with Brontë's response to sexist comments on the first edition of this book: “I am satisfied that if a book is a good one, it is so whatever the sex of the author may be. All novels are or should be written for both men and women to read” (5). Well said, Anne.