Brontë Sisters

Definition

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were 19th-century English writers whose works significantly contributed to the development of the Victorian novel. They are best known for their classic novels, which explore themes of passion, morality, and social criticism within a deeply personal context. Their writing often challenged the gender norms of their time, using strong female protagonists to address issues of identity and autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brontë sisters published their first works under male pseudonyms—Currer Bell for Charlotte, Ellis Bell for Emily, and Acton Bell for Anne—to navigate the male-dominated literary world.
2. Charlotte's 'Jane Eyre' was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a strong female protagonist who defies societal expectations and seeks personal fulfillment.
3. Emily's 'Wuthering Heights' is considered one of the first psychological novels, renowned for its complex characters and dark themes of obsession and revenge.
4. Anne Brontë's 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' is recognized as one of the first feminist novels, addressing issues of women's rights and societal hypocrisy regarding marriage.
5. The Brontë sisters lived in isolation in Haworth, Yorkshire, which influenced their writing style, themes, and character development through their intimate knowledge of nature and rural life.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the narrative styles of the Brontë sisters in their most well-known novels.
  • Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' employs a first-person narrative that provides deep insights into the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, creating a strong connection with readers. In contrast, Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' utilizes a multi-layered narrative structure with multiple narrators, allowing for complex storytelling and differing perspectives on characters. This difference highlights each sister’s unique approach to storytelling while both tackle themes of love, identity, and social constraints.
• Discuss how the Brontë sisters addressed gender roles in their writing and its impact on Victorian society.
  • The Brontë sisters challenged Victorian gender roles through their strong female characters who seek independence and assert their desires in a patriarchal society. Charlotte's 'Jane Eyre' presents a heroine who prioritizes her self-respect over societal expectations of marriage, while Emily's 'Wuthering Heights' portrays intense emotional relationships that defy conventional norms. Their works contributed to discussions about women's rights and paved the way for future feminist literature.
• Analyze the influence of the Brontë sisters on the evolution of the Victorian novel and its lasting legacy in literature.
  • The Brontë sisters profoundly impacted the Victorian novel by introducing complex characters and exploring psychological depth in their narratives. Their bold themes—such as individual struggle against societal constraints—set new standards for character development and moral complexity. This evolution not only shaped contemporary literature but also inspired later authors to delve into themes of feminism, identity, and social justice, cementing the Brontës' legacy as foundational figures in literary history.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and an emphasis on emotion and individualism, heavily influencing the Brontë sisters' works.

Social Criticism:

The practice of critiquing societal norms and injustices, a central theme in the Brontë sisters' novels that highlights issues like gender inequality and class struggles.

Jane Eyre:

Charlotte Brontë's most famous novel, which follows the life of an orphaned girl who becomes a governess and explores her quest for love and self-respect.