Anne Brontë

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Anne Brontë

The most shocking of the Brontës' novels, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall had an instant success. Today, most critics consider it to be one of the first feminist novels. In leaving her husband and taking away their child, Helen violates not only social conventions, but also the 19th century English law. The novel is about a mysterious young widow, calling herself Helen Graham, who arrives at Wildfell Hall with her young son and a servant. Contrary to the early 19th century norms, she pursues an artist's career and makes an income by selling her work. Her strict seclusion soon gives rise to gossip in the neighboring village.