Esther Hargrave Character Analysis in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Milicent and Walter Hargrave’s younger sister, a woman who is innocent and sweet, but also strong and independent. She refuses to give in to her mother, who would like her to marry the first suitor who asks her, and even threatens to venture out on her own and work for a living. In time, she marries Frederick Lawrence.

Esther Hargrave Character Timeline in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The timeline below shows where the character Esther Hargrave appears in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Gender, Sexism, and Double Standards Theme Icon

...one to talk to besides Rachel. Milicent is in London, leaving only Milicent’s little sister Esther and their brother Walter, but Esther is too young for a companion and Walter is... (full context)

...who suffer the most at the hands of these two status hounds are Milicent and Esther. At 14, Esther is just as kind and innocent as her sister, but is by... (full context)

...visits to the poor who live on the Grassdale estate and enjoys the company of Esther Hargrave. She also sees Walter, who made the odd decision to leave his friends and... (full context)

It is now October 5th, and Helen writes that Esther Hargrave is growing into a fine young woman. She often spends time with Helen, although... (full context)

...for two months when he returns home to the Grove. Helen pays a call on Esther there, and Esther demands to know what Helen has done to her brother. When Helen... (full context)

It’s an embarrassing scene for everyone, and Esther tries to defuse it by asking Walter to go pick a rose for Helen. He... (full context)

It is the end of July, and Esther Hargrave has returned from her first season in London. She comes home unengaged, much to... (full context)

Esther asks Helen if she’s happy. She asked Milicent and Milicent said she was, but Esther... (full context)

...still away. Helen is enjoying the company of Milicent and her children, as well as Esther and Mr. Hattersley. Hattersley seems determined to reform, to become a sober and responsible father,... (full context)

...next two days to pack and prepare. During that time, she writes a letter to Esther, Milicent, and her aunt, informing them of her decision. She asks them all to write... (full context)

Helen has the pleasure of seeing Esther during her time at Grassdale, but it’s a mixed pleasure. Esther is no longer the... (full context)

...so now poor that Helen has to send little Arthur to be watched over by Esther Hargrave. Helen is needed so often in the sick room that she worries about little... (full context)

...attentive friend. Milicent comes with him, and Helen has the pleasure of seeing her and Esther and little Arthur for brief, stolen moments. Arthur insists on having Helen by his side... (full context)

...country church where a wedding is indeed taking place—not between Helen and Walter, but between Esther and Frederick. Frederick is as shocked to see Gilbert as Gilbert is to see his... (full context)