Who Gilbert Markham is
Gilbert Markham lives at Linden-car with his mother, his sister Rose, and his younger brother Fergus. He is lively and enjoys admiration, but he can be careless of other people's feelings. His account first shows Helen through the eyes of a neighbour who does not understand her.
Gilbert Markham and the others in the story
Gilbert grows close to Helen through visits, walks, and conversations about books, painting, and right and wrong. Her son Arthur is fond of him, while Helen insists that they can only be friends. She does not flatter Gilbert, and her firm boundaries wound his pride as well as deepen his interest.
How Gilbert Markham changes
When neighbours spread rumours about Helen and her landlord, Mr Lawrence, Gilbert lets jealousy cloud his judgement. He acts violently against Lawrence, then regrets what his pride and suspicion have driven him to do. Helen gives him her diary, allowing him to hear her account rather than rely on village talk.
Reading it makes Gilbert ashamed of his suspicions and more aware of his own part in the gossip. He begins to learn that loving Helen requires restraint and trust, not simply the wish to be near her.
Questions
Who is Gilbert Markham?
Gilbert Markham is a young farmer who tells the novel's framing story in a letter to a friend.
Does Gilbert Markham love Helen Graham?
Yes, Gilbert falls in love with Helen, though her guarded manner and insistence on friendship test his pride.
Why is Gilbert jealous of Mr Lawrence?
Gilbert becomes jealous because village gossip suggests an improper relationship between Helen and her landlord, Mr Lawrence. He does not know what to believe and allows suspicion to overcome his judgement.