Alcoholism is a persistent condition linked to substance abuse. Those afflicted with alcoholism become so obsessed with alcohol that they find it hard to function normally. In the United Kingdom, by 2001, 8 percent of the population was afflicted by alcoholism. In Brontë’s novel, Huntington and several of his acquaintances are portrayed as heavy drinkers. While Lord Lowborough and Mr. Hattersley manage to change their lives for the better, Mr. Huntington and Mr. Grimsby do not. Both Lord Lowborough and Mr. Huntington display typical symptoms of alcoholism, often drinking excessively and even turning to alcohol early in the day to ease their discomfort. Lord Lowborough acknowledges his issue and, through significant effort and determination, conquers his addiction. In contrast, Mr. Huntington never truly accepts his problem and gradually declines in health until he dies from an internal injury caused by a fall from his horse. His son, Arthur, becomes sick from merely the smell of alcohol, a physical reaction stemming from his deep-rooted psychological aversion to the substance that significantly affected his father.

Mr. Hattersley, although he drinks heavily with his friends, seems to be more affected by a lifestyle choice rather than true alcoholism. When he chooses to spend his time in the countryside with his wife and steer clear of London, he discovers happiness. On the other hand, Mr. Grimsby continues to lead a reckless life, consumed with gambling and drinking, and eventually dies in a fight. Brontë's message to her readers is unmistakable: excessive indulgence in alcohol leads to destruction, while moderation or abstinence leads to happiness.

Piety embodies a state of devoutness, extending beyond religious beliefs to encompass social and familial duties. As the daughter of a minister, Brontë was a pious woman, although she grappled with her faith at different times in her brief life. In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, characters who display piety receive rewards. Helen, despite enduring severe hardships as a young woman, remains unwavering in her religious commitment and moral principles. Against all odds, she rises to wealth and enjoys a happy marriage with a loving husband. Even after she and Mr. Huntington become estranged while living under the same roof, Mr. Hargrave declares his affection for her. Yet, Helen is not the least bit swayed by her loneliness. She harbors a dislike for Mr. Hargrave and is also offended by his proposal to break her marriage vows, which she holds sacred as they were made before God. Later, at Wildfell Hall, she also resolutely turns down Gilbert for similar reasons, though this decision is more poignant because she truly loves him.

Other characters in the novel who are rewarded for their piety include Mary Millward and Richard Wilson, who marry following a secret engagement. Although many neighbors and relatives consider them dull and uninteresting, Helen quickly befriends Mary, valuing her sensibility and strong moral fiber. Like Gilbert, Mary is among the few who refuse to believe any scandalous rumors about Helen without understanding her true story. They perceive a goodness in her that remains unswayed by vice. Milicent Hattersley also finds reward when her husband abandons his bachelor lifestyle to focus on family, religion, and home. Mr. Hattersley, once wild in his youth, admits he was merely waiting for someone to guide him.

Brontë emphasizes the importance of piety through numerous biblical references throughout the story. In nineteenth-century Western literature, frequent allusions to the Bible were prevalent due to its central role in people's lives.

In 19th-century England, marriage was an essential institution. Many women were brought up to believe their main purpose was to find a suitable husband. The...