P8 TWH Chapters 26-30 Discussion. by Stephanie Faucette

4. Discussion Question

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What is the motive behind Mr. Huntingdon kissing Mrs. Lowborough's hand? What does this reveal about his character?

2. Analyze

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Arthur puts himself before his wife and his son. Arthur doesn't believe that he should show affection towards his son because his son cannot return the affection back towards him. Arthur's selfishness gets in between him and his family. "'It can't love me - or you eitherl it can't understand a single word you stay to it, or feel one spark of gratitude for all your kindness. Wait till it can show some little affection for me, and then I'll see about loving it'" (Brontë 242).

4. Discussion Question

2024-11-18 20:32:48 UTC

How does Mr. Huntingdon's selfish nature cause a rift in his relationship between his wife and newborn?

Helen - Character Focus

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Helen allows Mr. Huntington to go to London. When he is gone for four months, she struggles with how to raise Arthur to respect his father without becoming him. She meets Mr. Hargrave and does not like him at first because she thinks he is selfish, but she spends a lot of time with him and family, and it clear he has a crush on her.

2. Analysis: Theme of Jealousy

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"'But I confess I do feel jealous at times - most painfully, bitterly so - when she sings and plays to him, and he hangs over the instrument and dwells upon her voice with no affected interest'" (Bronte 229).

Mr. Huntington is manipulative and tries his best to make Helen jealous. He constantly surrounds himself with Mrs. Lowborough and looks at Helen for a reaction. He treats Helen like a game, yet he is enraged when she does not want to play.

Post 4: Discussion Question

2024-11-18 20:35:21 UTC

How does Mrs. Graham respond to Walter Hargrave's insights about Mr. Arthur while he is away? How does learning this information impact Helen and her relationship with her husband?

Summary

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After two years of marriage, Helen and Mr. Huntingdon have settled into a love relationship, but there is no understanding between them. While Arthur is away in London, Helen meets Mr. Walter Hargrave, an acquaintance of Mr. Huntingdon. Helen is wary of his character and personality because he publicly attacks Arthur's persona.

1. Summary

2024-11-18 20:36:38 UTC

Chapter 26 gives an update on Lord and Lady Lowborough and the Hargraves. Lord and Lady Lowborough are now married and Helen learns about Lady Lowborough taking advantage of Lord Lowborough's love. She also flirts with Mr. Huntingdon, which makes Helen jealous. Mr. Hargrave offers his kindness to Helen when this happens, but Helen rejects it because she does not like to be pitied. Even though Helen rejects his kindness, Mr. Huntingdon gets angered by the advance. At the end of the chapter, everyone goes to visit the Hargrave's home. This is where Helen observes their carelessness with money.

Character Focus: Mr. Huntingdon

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Arthur Huntingdon (Sr.) develops a sense of jealously for his child where there should be a presence of love. He expresses his distaste for the boy throughout the chapter by use of harsh nicknames and expression of dislike for him directly to Helen. This begs the question of if he lacks this parental instinct due to selfishness or upbringing?

2. Analyze: Societal Expectations

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The theme of societal expectations is touched on throughout chapter 26, revealed through the Hargrave family. In the 19th century, appearances and reputation were incumbent to succeeding in society, whether through marriage, business, or other social affairs. In this chapter, Mrs. Hargrave is described as a woman who values outward appearances over her company. Societal expectations significantly alter the course of events throughout the book, which is seen through Milicent and Anabella's choices in marriage. "But she is ever straining to keep up appearances, with that despicable pride that shuns the semblance of poverty as of a shameful crime. She grinds her dependents, pinches her servants, and deprives even her daughters and herself of the real comforts of life" (Bronte 230).

Post 3: Character Focus

2024-11-18 20:37:29 UTC

The character I saw a lot of development in was Arthur Huntingdon. Arthur acts as though he is deeply apologetic for his actions, when in reality his apologies seem manipulative and superficial. Arthur attempts to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with Helen to avoid so he acts compliant, while secretly pursuing his desires. Arthur also uses manipulative language to downplay her feelings, and make his character look better. Arthur also mentions how he knows that no matter what he does Helen could never hate him as long as he "loves" her. At this point in the novel he seems to be completely manipulative, and views Helen as more of an accessory he can walk all over.

Character Focus: Lord Lowborough

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After escaping his alcohol and gambling addiction, Lord Lowborough is reported to have a noticeable change in looks, spirits, and temper. Even though he is content with his marriage, Annabella uses the marriage to manipulate Lord Lowborough. When Annabella flirts with Mr. Huntington and teases her husband about his jealousy, his features cannot disguise his unhappiness and sadness. However, the more Lowborough is teased for his emotions, the more he conceals his uneasiness and envy. Lowborough having to hide his emotions emphasizes how he allows Annabella to rule over the marriage without any regard for his feelings.

3. Character Focus - Helen

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In this chapter, Mrs. Helen Huntingdon develops the need to prioritize her son, meaning she can no longer tolerate her husband's selfish behavior. As she writes about her hopes and wishes for her child, she recognizes her main worries surrounding his upbringing because his father views the baby as an object. Mr. Huntingdon only sees the baby as something to entertain him and something that takes Helen's attention and affection away from himself. His selfish complaining about Helen caring for their child forces Helen to develop and admit, at least to herself, that her husband will not love their child and will be a hindrance to the baby's upbringing.

1. Summary

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At a social event with all of their friend's Arthur kisses Annabella's hand infront of Helen. Then Arthur and Helen get into an argument and Arthur exclaims that Helen should love him no matter what and he should be able to do whatever he wants becasue "that is a women role." Later Annabella and Helen get into a discussion about how annabella feels Arthur does not reciprocate the same love Helen gives him and that Helen should do a better job controlling her husband.

Discussion Question

2024-11-18 20:43:55 UTC

Do you believe that Helen Graham feels more jealousy towards Annabella's ability to change Lord Lowborough or that she can not fix her own relationship?

1. Summary

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In this Chapter, Helen is realizing the depth of his husbands selfishness. This is the first time Helen sees her husband really interact with their son as he expresses his true disdain. Helen tries to get Mr. Huntingdon to appreciate Arthur jr. more but it backfires because he claims he would rather his wife and calls their son names. This chapter also further illustrates Mr. Huntingdon's intense desire for control of Helen expressed as jealousy even over their son.

2. Analyze

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Throughout chapter 27, Mr. Huntingdon displays the common theme of control. With almost every interaction Arthur has with Helen in this chapter, he is either trying to physically stop her or control her thoughts and reasoning. In a argument with Helen, Arthur, "caught me in his arms, just as I had entered the chamber, and was about to shut the door in his face... No, no, by Heaven, you shan't escape me so!" (Bronte 183). Arthur later goes on to try and convince Helen of his improper conduct with Mrs. Lowborough by claiming she misunderstands his intentions.

2. Analyze: Symbol of Alcohol

2024-11-18 20:47:03 UTC

One major symbol in Chapter 27 of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is alcohol. Mr. Huntingdon's continuous consumption of alcohol represents his inability to control his impulsivity and an overall theme of abuse. Mr. Huntingdon, "laughingly clasping my hand between both his; but I snatched it away, in indignation - almost in disgust, for he was obviously affected with wine," (Bronte 233). His growing addiction to alcohol causes him to act immorally and unfairly toward his wife Helen. He easily becomes argumentative and angry with Helen, and he aggressively tries to gain control over her in his intoxicated state. This is significant to Helen and Arthur's marriage as it causes disagreements and conflicts. It also proves a contrast between Helen and Arthur's morals as people.

Analyze

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"It was early in March that he went, and did not return till July. This time, he did not trouble himself to make excuses as before, and his letters were less frequent, and shorter and less affectionate, especially after the first few weeks: they came slower and slower, and more terse and careless every time. But still, when I omitted writing he complained of my neglect" (Bronte 245).

The letters are symbolic of Mr. Huntington's love for Helen. Just like his letters, he puts no effort into his love, yet he expects Helen to love him constantly and wholeheartedly, symbolized by the expectation of her letters.