Status Updates From Necunoscuta de la Wildfell ...

in a society built on double standards that grant men the power to claim authority over women, helen graham stands her ground and calls out people on their ignorance without hesitation (i adore her, bye). gilbert, so far, is steeped in antipathy toward helen. even when he briefly considers that he might have been too proud, he still can't bring himself to accept that a woman might be right.

gilbert's interaction with helen is giving "so you find my smile pleasing?" and "are the ladies of the ton won by a pleasing smile and absolutely nothing else?" but more subtly, i guess. it seems he's prone to anger and suspicion, trading whatever meaningful moment he may share with someone for a fleeting feeling that satisfies his (so far) fragile male ego.

Just goes to show men have always had the audacity to