Chapters 29-32: Arthur's descent into alcoholism

Men Behaving Badly

The description in these chapters of Arthur's drunken behaviour with his friends is shocking for a 21st Century readership - so just think how it would have been received 150 years ago, especially as this was written by a woman (albeit one under a male pseudonym). You must not allow the sometimes old-fashioned language to detract from the fact that this is controversial, disturbing stuff. Arthur's growing dependency on drink is taking over his very existence - dragging him away from his home, his child, his wife, and all the good qualities he once possessed. And it is not just Arthur: what we witness when Hattersley loses his temper with Millicent, his wife, is nothing less than domestic violence - and in public too. All of this is made even worse by the fact that these drunken men invariably laugh at such behaviour, even as they are indulging in it themselves. And they are all as bad as each other: even Mr Grimsby, who claims he can hold his drink better than the others, ends up pouring half his tea into his saucer, and putting six cubes of sugar into his cup of tea.

How the other characters respond

And then we see the different responses of the other characters to this drunkenness and abusive, violent behaviour. Annabella seems almost to celebrate it, and wishes her husband would also indulge, so that she can die an early death and she can benefit from his will. Millicent just accepts it, and meekly takes whatever is thrown her way. Helen swings between trying to ignore it, and upbraiding and criticising the men for their despicable behaviour. Lowborough, so scarred by his past, refuses to have anything to do with the other men, however violently they try to force him. And Hargrave, who seems to be growing closer and closer to Helen herself, seems to be willing to do anything to protect her from the abuse and neglect of her alcoholic husband.

Some questions for you to ponder though...

1. Why does Helen continue to endure and put up with Arthur's behaviour, regardless of how horrifically he treats her?
2. Why does Arthur refuse to remedy his behaviour, and why is he unable to learn from his mistakes?
3. AND WHAT IS THE SECRET INFORMATION THAT HARGRAVE WANTS TO REVEAL TO HELEN???????