logo

74 pages 2 hours read

Anne Brontë

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Anne BrontëFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1848

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Anne Brontë

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1848
Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1820s

Publication Year

1848

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë tells the story of Gilbert Markham, a gentleman farmer, who recounts his life’s major events to his friend, Halford. Gilbert falls in love with Helen Graham, a mysterious young widow who moves into the dilapidated Wildfell Hall with her son. Through Helen's secret journal, Gilbert learns about her harrowing marriage to the abusive and alcoholic Arthur Huntingdon, and the reasons behind her secluded life.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Dark

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

120,947 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Anne Brontë's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is lauded for its strong proto-feminist themes and realistic portrayal of marriage and alcoholism. Critics commend its bold narrative and complex characters, though some find its moralistic tone heavy-handed. The novel's forward-thinking stance remains impactful, but its darker content can feel oppressive to some readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall?

Readers who revel in Victorian literature, complex character development, and themes of social criticism would enjoy The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy will appreciate Brontë's exploration of women's struggles and moral fortitude.

4.2

120,947 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1820s

Publication Year

1848

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.