East Lynne is a Victorian sensation novel written by the English novelist Ellen Wood (sometimes known as Mrs. Henry Wood); it was published in monthly installments between January 1860 and September 1861 and then as a complete text in 1861. The novel (Wood’s second) sold extremely well, encouraging Wood to continue with a long-running and successful career. East Lynne was also adapted into successful stage productions in both England and America; several film adaptations followed in the 20th century. Through a melodramatic plot revolving around adultery and murder, Wood explores gender, class, and hypocritical morality, including themes of Jealousy Leading to Irrational Decisions, False Perceptions of Innocence and Guilt, and The Anxieties and Opportunities of Unstable Social Positions.

This guide references the 2000 Broadview press edition.

Content Warning: The novel and the guide reference the death of a child and the contemplation of suicide.

Plot Summary

Isabel Vane is the beautiful young daughter of the Earl of Mount Severn, who owns an estate known as East Lynne; the estate is located next to the small English town of West Lynne. The earl has squandered his fortunes; he sells East Lynne to a wealthy young lawyer named Archibald Carlyle and dies shortly afterward. Left penniless, Isabel moves in with distant relatives. She has a flirtation with a dashing young man named Francis Levinson, but when Archibald proposes unexpectedly, Isabel agrees to marry him. She is hopeful that marriage will give her independence and stability, and while she does grow to love Archibald, she is often frustrated and unhappy due to Archibald’s overbearing sister, Cornelia.

Archibald is close to a local man, Justice Hare, along with Hare’s wife and daughter, Barbara. Barbara’s brother, Richard Hare, is a fugitive from the law: Years earlier, Richard was implicated in the murder of a local man named Hallijohn. Richard’s father has disowned his son, but his mother and sister believe he is innocent. Richard begins to secretly visit West Lynne from time to time and explains to Barbara that he believes a man named Thorn is the one who actually killed Hallijohn. Barbara enlists Archibald’s help in trying to clear Richard’s name by finding the actual criminal; these efforts mean that Barbara and Archibald often spend time together alone. Isabel quickly becomes suspicious and jealous of Barbara, especially because it is widely known that Barbara was in love with Archibald and once hoped to marry him herself.

Years pass, and Isabel and Archibald have three children. Then Isabel crosses paths with Francis again. She is attracted to him but determined to resist temptation; however, when Francis comes to stay at East Lynne, Isabel cannot avoid him. Francis plays on Isabel’s jealousy, persuading her that Archibald and Barbara are secretly in love. Isabel eventually elopes with Francis, abandoning her husband and children. This action is very scandalous, and Archibald quickly pursues divorce. Isabel and Francis travel in France, and she gives birth to his child; once Francis inherits some money, he abandons her and returns to England, where he eventually marries an heiress. Isabel and her baby are involved in a train accident in France; the infant is killed, and Isabel is reported as dead as well. She decides to take the opportunity to assume a new identity, especially since her injuries have significantly changed her physical appearance. Isabel goes by the name Madame Vine and ends up finding work as a governess for an English family traveling abroad.

Believing Isabel to be dead, Archibald proposes to Barbara, and the two of them marry. In subsequent years, Barbara has a child of her own and continues to try to clear her brother’s name. Isabel misses her children greatly, and when she learns that Barbara and Archibald are looking to hire a governess, she accepts the position, hoping that no one will recognize her. Isabel moves back to East Lynne, where she is tormented by regret when she compares her own life to Barbara’s happy existence. Isabel cares devotedly for the children, particularly her older son, William, whose health is declining.

After Isabel has been with the family for a few months, Archibald runs for office as the local member of Parliament (the elected official who represents a region). Francis will be running against him; this news is scandalous and upsetting because of the history between the two men. By this time, drawing on conversations with Richard about the mysterious man named Thorn, Barbara is convinced that “Thorn” is actually Francis, who may have used a pseudonym. Shortly after Francis begins his campaign, Archibald overhears a man talking about Francis having used a false name and comes to the same conclusion. Archibald and Barbara arrange for Richard to observe Francis, and Richard confirms that Francis is indeed the man who was involved in the murder.

Archibald arranges for Richard to work with a lawyer to investigate Francis; on the day of the election, Francis is arrested and Archibald is elected. Through testimony from various witnesses, Francis’s guilt is confirmed, and he is found guilty. By extension, Richard is vindicated. Meanwhile, Isabel nurses her son William up to his death. After the little boy dies, her own health breaks down. When Isabel is on her deathbed, Cornelia recognizes and forgives her. Isabel also reveals her identity to Archibald, who is shocked; he also extends his forgiveness after Isabel expresses her regret and repentance. Isabel dies. Archibald reveals Isabel’s identity to Barbara, and the couple vow to love one another faithfully and enjoy life with their children.