The Well of Loneliness is a 1928 novel by British author Radclyffe Hall that tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an upper-class Englishwoman who struggles as a lesbian with the confines of society. After grappling with her identity from childhood and facing various unrequited loves and societal rejections, Stephen becomes a successful writer and serves as an ambulance driver during World War I, developing a complex romantic relationship with Mary Llewellyn. Themes of substance use, war trauma, and suicide are present in the narrative.

Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness is a pioneering work of LGBTQ+ literature. Praised for its courageous exploration of lesbian identity and societal challenges, the novel has been influential yet controversial. Critics commend its emotional depth and character development, though some find its pacing slow and prose overly melancholic.

Readers who appreciate LGBTQ+ themes, psychological depth, and the exploration of societal norms will enjoy Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness. Fans of Virginia Woolf's Orlando and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room will find resonant themes of identity and belonging. Hall's novel is a pioneering work in queer literature.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Challenging / Emotional

- The Well of Loneliness sparked significant controversy when it was published in 1928, leading to an obscenity trial in the United Kingdom where it was banned until 1949.
- Radclyffe Hall's portrayal of the book's protagonist is often considered one of the earliest depictions of a transgender or gender non-conforming character in English literature.
- The legal battles surrounding The Well of Loneliness played a pivotal role in the development of LGBTQ+ literature, bringing attention to issues of censorship and representation.

**Lady Anna Gordon**  
A beautiful Irish woman who marries Sir Philip and struggles with her role as a mother to her daughter, Stephen.

**Sir Philip Gordon**  
Stephen’s noble and compassionate father, who encourages her education and pursuits while maintaining a deep bond with her.

**Stephen Gordon**  
A strong and intelligent young woman who grapples with her identity and affection for women in a world that is often unwelcoming.

**Collins**  
A timid maid employed by the Gordons during Stephen’s childhood, who inadvertently becomes the object of Stephen's early affections.

**Roger Antrim**  
The arrogant neighborhood bully who later disrupts Stephen's life by wooing her love interest.

**Violet Antrim**  
Roger’s sister, considered by Stephen to be a frivolous presence who marries young and occasionally taunts Stephen.

**Mademoiselle Duphot**  
Stephen's tactless and messy nanny, who cares for her but ultimately lacks effectiveness outside of teaching French.

**Martin Hallam**  
Once a close friend to Stephen, who complicates their friendship with romantic feelings and reappears later in her life.

**Miss Puddleton**  
Affectionately known as Puddle, Stephen’s assertive and supportive governess who remains loyal and helpful throughout her life.

**Angela Crossby**  
An attractive and manipulative American woman who captures Stephen’s heart but proves deceptive.

**Ralph Crossby**  
Angela’s abusive and vengeful husband, who contributes to Stephen's hardships.

**Jonathan Brockett**  
A playwright and Stephen's friend who is known for being erratic but deeply invested in her well-being.

**Valérie Seymour**  
A respected lesbian artist hosting salons, who provides friendship and support to Stephen.

**Mary Llewellyn**  
A kind-hearted war unit member and orphan who becomes the love of Stephen’s life.

**Jaime**  
A large and prideful musician who is a good friend to Stephen and faces personal tragedy.

**Barbara**  
Jamie’s loving partner who suffers from illness and provides emotional depth to the narrative.

Radclyffe Hall

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Well of Loneliness | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Well of Loneliness and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Well of Loneliness Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1

Book 1, Chapters 1-5

The Well of Loneliness Book 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 6-10

The Well of Loneliness Book 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 11-14 

The Well of Loneliness Book 1, Chapters 11-14  Summary & Analysis

Book 2

Book 2, Chapters 15-20

The Well of Loneliness Book 2, Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 21-25

The Well of Loneliness Book 2, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Books 2-3

Books 2-3, Chapters 26-30

The Well of Loneliness Books 2-3, Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Book 3

Book 3, Chapters 31-34

The Well of Loneliness Book 3, Chapters 31-34 Summary & Analysis

Book 4

Book 4, Chapters 35-39

The Well of Loneliness Book 4, Chapters 35-39 Summary & Analysis

Book 5

Book 5, Chapters 40-45 

The Well of Loneliness Book 5, Chapters 40-45  Summary & Analysis

Book 5, Chapters 46-50

The Well of Loneliness Book 5, Chapters 46-50 Summary & Analysis

Book 5, Chapters 51-56

The Well of Loneliness Book 5, Chapters 51-56 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Well of Loneliness Character Analysis

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Themes

The Well of Loneliness Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Well of Loneliness Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Well of Loneliness Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Well of Loneliness Essay Topics

The Well of Loneliness

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Well of Loneliness?

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Book Details