Anne Brontë - the Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Piety

As one sows, so shall he reap. A profound pillar of Anne Brontë's novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, this understanding stems from Brontë's own ideals of orthodox piety during the Victorian era. Her controversial novel imparts the story of Helen, a pious young woman who courageously deserts her drunken and abusive husband, Arthur Huntingdon. Nearly unheard of at the time, this feat allows her to fall in love with Gilbert Markham, a passionate young farmer of Linden-Car. With her escape from Grassdale Manor also comes her freedom from the emotional stigma of Annabella Lowborough, Mr. Huntingdon's primary mistress, and the enamored neighbor Mr. Hargrave, who pursues her with temptations of protection and happiness. During this young woman's coming of age, her pious nature affects those around her including the reformed Mr. Hattersley, former undertaker of dubious morals and the husband of Helen's dear friend. Consequently, Arthur Huntingdon faces a repulsive demise and those with reverent Christian sanctity meet harmonious endings. Throughout the novel, Brontë's characters undeniably illustrate her belief that God looks favorably upon pious individuals while condemning the sinful.

First, Brontë distinctly reveals that a devoutly pious life ultimately brings good fortune. For example, Helen's religious dedication enables her to forgive Arthur Huntingdon for deplorable acts of moral ambiguity; moreover, her efforts are not in vain. Mr. Huntingdon gradually acquires an unequivocal corrupting influence underscored in his deplorable character. After taking several mistresses and publicly scorning Helen, he later loses all capacity to enjoy himself and depraves others as an agent of evil. However, learning that her estranged husband has fallen ill, Helen returns to Grassdale Manor and promises Mr. Huntingdon, "I came to offer you that comfort and assistance your situation required; and if I could benefit your soul as well as your body….awaken some sense of contrition…" (409). Despite her myriad of reasons to never return, Helen hopes to nurse her husband back to health and salvation with every fiber of her being. Clearly, Helen's belief provides her with personal comfort in knowing she acts in perfect conformity with the sacrament of marriage and the Anglican Church. In addition, Helen's enduring piety due to faithfulness in marriage poignantly declines Gilbert's love without hesitation, even though her heart reciprocates his feelings. The idea of holy matrimony truly prevails in Helen, who declines first Mr. Hargrave's then Gilbert Markham's declaration of love. Although both refusals stem from her horror at their suggestion she violate her sacred marriage vows, she actually loves Gilbert, which makes her unhesitating rebuff of his love exponentially sorrowful. As Gilbert proclaims his love stronger than ever, Helen knows