THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL | The Novel Tea Podcast Ep. 01
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- Welcome to the first episode of The Novel Tea podcast! Emily and Alexandra discuss their divergent opinions on the Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which was the book that ignited the realization that each approaches reading very differently! This episode covers the structure, major themes, it’s revolutionary spot in history, and even the ways it could be improved.
Please note there are spoilers for the book in this episode.
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Thank you for posting this discussion. Tenant of Wildfell Hall is one of my favourite "Bronte" movies. I have not read the book as I have learnt, time and time again, that if you read the book first, then the movie will disappoint and visa versa. After watching this discussion, I am not inclined to read the book! From what I think you are saying, the movie must have smoothed out the jarring differences between Gilbert's and Hellen's written narratives because the story flowed smoothly. Other than that, I agree this story is very dark and the topics were certainly taboo for its time. You certainly opened my eyes as to the posibility that Anne was "therapy" writing about her brother and how his life style disrupted their lives. Again, thank you.
Helen is a seriously underrated protagonist!
I agree!
I just finished this book, and it was way better than I thought. It’s now a favorite. The topics she addresses are so important.❤
I totally agree. The book has a hugely important place in the canon.
Do you think the journal worked as a way to show the raw emotion of what she was feeling as she was going through her situation in real time. And also as a way for Helen to be able to re tell the events without having her have to relive painful moments? And then also allowing her to leave that behind. I also think it serves to show how she coped during that time. I don’t think she had anyone else to go to but her journal.
I get what you mean though, I’m sure there were parts where I’d question, how can you remember this or do people normally write dialogue in there journals etc.
I think Charlotte Brontë and Emily wrote really genius and important novels. I also agree that Anne’s wasn’t as strong in terms of craft like her sisters (but still really good!) however I think her message is still very important. In her preface, she wrote how she didn’t want to simply amuse but to tell the truth, so yea I think she wasnt shying away from sermonizing. That especially stood out to me towards the end as she preaches to Arthur about heaven. I had wondered if she did that to go against Catholic faith at the time. I wonder if they were Protestant because I think that stood out to me also in Villette.
She also mentions in her preface to present these situations in its most honest form in order to spare any young person. And that’s why for me I really loved this novel. I think she genuinely wanted to present what might happen if you choose to marry simply on emotion and not wisdom. I think she wanted others to learn from Helen’s mistake so that no woman had to experience that in real life. I’ll have to read through it again.
I’m still listening. I’m enjoying the discussion so far. 😊
Hi Nat - Great insight! Thank you so much for your comment. Yes, I do think the journal is effective for giving Helen her own voice in the story and I think you're right that it shows her visceral emotion at the time.
Yes, the Bronte sisters were geniuses and the book has an important role in the canon. And yes, they were protestants and their faith definitely is an important role in all their stories. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is breaking ground on so many important issues, such as domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, single motherhood, the powerlessness of women at this time. It's pretty amazing that it was published!
@@ALovelyJaunt Yes! So thankful for it. Enjoyed the discussion very much. Looking forward to your future episodes 😊
I just finished reading it and yes it was a JOURNEY، I mostly agree with your points and one if the things I really didn’t like was Helen leaving her independency by quitting drawing/ painting but she also mentioned that she don’t paint/draw for enjoyment… I guess she kinda forget what she really like and enjoy after the traumatic experience.
Some of the side characters felt very flat to me like Eliza Millward .. she was there just to make some drama lol
I didn’t like how the sudden change of her husband’s friend ( Millicent ) … it felt so unrealistic and very out of character from Helen’s perspective
I do think when you read the book knowing Anne background and where she comes from it makes it more sensible and you can really see the longing of her wanting an ideal relationship with her brother…
These are great comments. Thank you for sharing!
Ok, this was so like almost interesting like with two women like sharing different perceptions about like the way anne like wrote...like so erudite ya know...
I DO know.
Agreed, I like made it 5 minutes in, but that was like enough.
When I reflect on this glorious novel of pain, sacrifice and integrity mixed with everything going against the grain...the most despised characters come to the front and have bothered me since I've discovered them. 1. Gilbert's overbearing, narrowminded, crap pious, cruel rumor spinning gossip battle-axe mother. 2. Even more despicable is the preacher/minister in Wildfell Halls' new city. Of course, he's thick as thieves with Gilbert's mother and the other hens clucking away. She also supplies him with generous amounts of booze that makes his acid spewing mouth even more vicious...and he carries that same mouth and topics about Helen to the church's pulpit. 3. There are 2 characters in this position. One is Arthur's mistress who places herself as the woman of the manor (it's Helen's wealth) and the other is Arthur's best friend who coyly builds a false friendship of kindness and trust with Helen only to exploit that trust just to brutally attempt to make Helen his sex toy.
What I love is Helen's devotion to her son...and her unwavering commitment to her boy (I had this from my Nan and everything good in me came from her) Helen's strength and refusal to move when the entire town is pushing her...she become a deep rooted tree. I love the camaraderie between Helen and her housekeeper...survival, dedication and loyalty. 3. Gilbert's kindness and fatherly devotion to Helen's son makes me miss my dad...he and I had only the last 8 years of his life as a father and son (and it was worth a lifetime)
So well done ladies...you had me very engaged and smiling and thinking....