The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Austen's style, but "with less of that particular quality which her dialogues invariably possessed". Considering the novels structure as "faulty", "Examiner" concludes that "it is scarcely possible to analyze [the novel]". An American magazine "Literature World", believing all the novels by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell were produced by the same person, praised their author as a genius, who can make "his incongruities appear natural". Noting, that "all that is good or attractive about [the male characters in "The Tenant"] is or might be womanish" it supposes that the author may be "some gifted and retired woman". Despite considering "The
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall called Arthur), and his claims on Helen's attentions and affections. Huntingdon's pack of dissolute friends frequently engage in drunken revels at the family's home, Grassdale, oppressing those of finer character. Both men and women are portrayed as degraded. In particular, Annabella, now Lady Lowborough, is shown to be unfaithful to her melancholy but devoted husband. Walter Hargrave, the brother of Helen's friend Milicent Hargrave, vies for Helen's affections. While he is not as wild as his peers, he is an unwelcome admirer: Helen senses his predatory nature when they play chess. Walter informs Helen of Arthur's affair with Lady Lowborough.