Mr. Maxwell Character Analysis in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Helen’s uncle, Mr. Maxwell finds Helen’s love affairs more amusing than his wife does. While he wishes Helen would accept a more financially stable suitor like Mr. Boarham or Mr. Wilmot, he gives Arthur Huntingdon permission to marry Helen, promising her a small amount of money as a wedding gift. When he dies toward the end of the novel, he leaves her his entire fortune.

Mr. Maxwell Character Timeline in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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

...entry from June 21, 1821, when Helen and her aunt and uncle, Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. Maxwell , have returned to their rural home in Staningley after an eventful visit to London.... (full context)

...offended: how dare he ask her uncle before asking her? Mrs. Maxwell informs her that Mr. Maxwell told Boarham the decision was Helen’s. Mrs. Maxwell then asks, if Helen intends to reject... (full context)

Their conversation comes to an end when Mr. Maxwell calls for his wife. He has been in a bad mood, Helen writes, because his... (full context)

September arrives, and Mr. Maxwell invites a group of gentlemen to the country for a shooting party. Helen is dismayed... (full context)

...proposing to Helen, and that she said he would have to seek the permission of Mr. Maxwell and his wife. Mr. Huntingdon goes on to make various hyperbolic statements about what he... (full context)

Later, Arthur requests a conference with Mr. Maxwell , and Helen and her aunt have a talk about her future. Mrs. Maxwell is... (full context)

Gender, Sexism, and Double Standards Theme Icon

Back at Staningley, Mr. Maxwell calls Helen into the library to discuss Arthur Huntingdon’s marriage offer. Mr. Maxwell asks Helen... (full context)

Soon after Arthur’s death, Helen experiences another loss. Her beloved uncle Mr. Maxwell dies, and she leaves Grassdale for Staningley so she can be of service to her... (full context)