I agree in most respects but I have to say i don't find there to be anything hypocritical in the society portrayed. Mr Huntington and his friends were not respected by society and this was not hidden. The reason Helen did not know is that "polite" society did not speak of such things, and in reality she was warned by all quarters.<br>Despite this I agree with all else you said, it is brave and does deal with issues that victorian society ignored.
I find that I take umbrage at the notion that The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a "feminist novel" simply because the main character, Helen Graham, seems to personnify an independent woman. This work exposed the a great deal of the hypocrisy that characterized much of Victorian England. It is a brave work, dealing with issues of alcoholism, spousal abuse--and far ahead of its time. It should be judged by that criterion solely, not because the female character leaves her abusive husband to make a life of her own.<br>
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