Brontë: Questions for Reflection and Further Research
In spite of its vivid depictions of debauchery, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was very popular at the original time of publication, and rapidly went into a second printing due to demand. This was — at least, in part — because of the novel’s relation to real life: It drew upon real people and current social issues for its inspiration. What’s more, the devoutly religious Brontë championed it to the public as a cautionary tale.
“I know that such characters do exist,” Brontë wrote, “and 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.”
Discuss:
- Examine the role of gossip in the novel. What conversations do other characters have about Helen? What do these conversations reveal about Victorian attitudes and expectations regarding women?
Do further research:
- Most scholars believe that the character Arthur Huntingdon was modeled after Anne Brontë’s brother Branwell. Look up details of Branwell’s biography. Afterward, return to the novel’s text. Where do you see similarities between Branwell Brontë and his fictional representation, Arthur? Quote/cite specific passages and incidents.
- Research the Married Women’s Property Act of 1870, and the ways in which it changed women’s legal status in Britain. How would Helen Graham’s situation have been different, had this act been passed during the time period depicted in the novel? Explain, in detail.
