Mystery
A recurring idea that shapes The Woman in White.
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Walter Hartright, a young drawing master, encounters a mysterious woman in white and takes a post at Limmeridge House, where he becomes entangled in the affairs of Laura Fairlie and her impending marriage to Sir Percival Glyde. Strange events and a conspiracy involving Count Fosco unfold. Told through multiple narrators, the story follows efforts to uncover deception and protect a woman's identity and rights.
Walter Hartright, a drawing teacher, accepts a post at Limmeridge House via Professor Pesca's patron (Ch1–2). En route to Cumberland he meets a distressed woman in white who mentions Limmeridge (Ch2). At Limmeridge he tutors Laura Fairlie; her marriage to Sir Percival Glyde is arranged (Ch11). After the marriage, Laura is isolated at Blackwater Park with Glyde and Count Fosco (Ch22). Fosco's odd habits and Glyde's secretive lawyer visit are observed by Marian Halcombe (Ch22). Marian later eavesdrops on Glyde and Fosco debating Laura's death and inheritance (Ch32). A woman believed to be Anne Catherick is returned to an asylum; Laura is later confined there and displaced by Anne's likeness (Ch42). Laura escapes to Limmeridge but is unrecognised even by family (Ch42). Walter investigates, learning Glyde forged a marriage register to hide a prior secret (Ch53). Fosco is later found dead in Paris with Brotherhood marks (Ch63). Walter and Laura marry; their son becomes Limmeridge heir after Mr. Fairlie's death (Ch63). (Spoilers withheld per options.)
The author of The Woman in White.
Explore author profileThis work develops its ideas directly rather than through a character-led narrative.
The Woman in White belongs to the literary and cultural world of Public-domain literature.
Walter Hartright, a drawing teacher, accepts a post at Limmeridge House via Professor Pesca's patron (Ch1–2). En route to Cumberland he meets a distressed woman in white who mentions Limmeridge (Ch2). At Limmeridge he tutors Laura Fairlie; her marriage to Sir Percival Glyde is arranged (Ch11). After the marriage, Laura is isolated at Blackwater Park with Glyde and Count Fosco (Ch22). Fosco's odd habits and Glyde's secretive lawyer visit are observed by Marian Halcombe (Ch22). Marian later eavesdrops on Glyde and Fosco debating Laura's death and inheritance (Ch32). A woman believed to be Anne Catherick is returned to an asylum; Laura is later confined there and displaced by Anne's likeness (Ch42). Laura escapes to Limmeridge but is unrecognised even by family (Ch42). Walter investigates, learning Glyde forged a marriage register to hide a prior secret (Ch53). Fosco is later found dead in Paris with Brotherhood marks (Ch63). Walter and Laura marry; their son becomes Limmeridge heir after Mr. Fairlie's death (Ch63). (Spoilers withheld per options.)
Begin by following how mystery and sensation fiction shape the work’s central choices.
Source and editorial notice
Public-domain source information is preserved with the published edition. This reading guide was created with AI assistance and reviewed before publication.