The Brontes

The story of the Brontës is one of tragedy and great literary achievement. Of the six children born to Maria Branwell and Patrick Brontë between 1814 and 1820, two died in childhood and none survived into their 40s (most were taken by the 19th-century tuberculosis epidemic that ravaged Europe). And yet, three of the Brontë sisters managed to write classic literary works that have endured long after their authors’ untimely deaths.

As children in their isolated home on the Yorkshire moors, Charlotte, Emily and Anne — along with their only brother, Branwell — began writing stories and creating fictional worlds. As adults, they were occasionally employed as teachers and governesses, but they never abandoned their love of literature. In 1846, the three sisters published a volume of poetry at their own expense. Due to the widely held prejudice against female writers, they adopted masculine pen names using their own initials: Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.

Their book of poetry sold only two copies, but the sisters were undeterred. The Brontës shared a steadfast attitude, a trait highlighted by their family friend Ellen Nussey, who described the siblings as  “resolutely single-minded, eminently courageous, eminently simple in their habits, and eminently tender-hearted.” The trio soon began writing their own novels individually, many of which eventually became English literature classics.

CHARLOTTE BRONTË

Charlotte Brontë was the eldest of the three sisters. Her first novel, The Professor, was rejected and later published posthumously. Her second novel, Jane Eyre, was published in 1847 under her pen name Currer Bell. It was a success, although many critics were thrown by the novel’s freedom of thought and expression.

With its intimate first-person narrative and psychological depth, Jane Eyre was certainly ahead of its time, and its themes of sexuality, class, and religion had a significant impact on wider society. Charlotte went on to publish two more novels, Shirley (1849) and Villette (1853). She outlived her siblings but died from complications during pregnancy at the age of 38.

I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.

“Jane Eyre”

I would always rather be happy than dignified.

“Jane Eyre”

Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.

“Jane Eyre”

Love is real — the most real, the most lasting, the sweetest and yet the bitterest thing we know.

“Shirley”

If men could see us as we really are, they would be a little amazed.

“Shirley”

I believe in some blending of hope and sunshine sweetening the worst lots. I believe that this life is not all; neither the beginning nor the end. I believe while I tremble; I trust while I weep.

“Villette”

Interesting times, for sure!