Emily Brontë

Definition

Emily Brontë was an influential English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, 'Wuthering Heights', which has become a cornerstone of Gothic and Victorian literature. Her work is characterized by its dark themes, intense emotional depth, and exploration of the human psyche, making significant contributions to the development of both Gothic narratives and the representation of women in literature during the Victorian era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' was published in 1847 under the pseudonym 'Ellis Bell', highlighting the gender biases faced by women writers of her time.
2. The novel is known for its non-linear narrative structure and its complex characters, particularly Heathcliff, who is often viewed as an archetype of the Byronic hero.
3. 'Wuthering Heights' explores themes such as revenge, social class, and the destructive power of love, which were groundbreaking at the time of its publication.
4. Emily was deeply influenced by her environment in the Yorkshire moors, which served as a backdrop for much of her writing and reflected her feelings of isolation and passion.
5. Despite her literary achievements, Emily Brontë was relatively reclusive during her life and published only a small body of work before her untimely death at age 30.

Review Questions

• How does Emily Brontë's use of setting in 'Wuthering Heights' contribute to the overall Gothic elements present in the novel?
  • In 'Wuthering Heights', Emily Brontë uses the remote Yorkshire moors as a setting that amplifies the novel's Gothic atmosphere. The harsh landscape reflects the tumultuous emotions of the characters and creates a sense of isolation that enhances themes like passion and revenge. The wildness of the moors mirrors the chaotic relationships within the story, establishing a backdrop that is essential to understanding the psychological depth and emotional intensity that are hallmarks of Gothic fiction.
• Discuss how Emily Brontë's portrayal of female characters challenges the traditional gender roles prevalent during the Victorian era.
  • Emily Brontë's portrayal of female characters in 'Wuthering Heights', particularly Catherine Earnshaw, defies typical Victorian gender roles by depicting strong-willed women who pursue their desires with fervor. Catherine's passionate nature and resistance to societal expectations reflect Brontë's critique of gender norms that confined women to submissive roles. This bold characterization not only contributed to the evolution of female representation in literature but also resonated with contemporary readers who were beginning to question rigid societal structures.
• Analyze how 'Wuthering Heights' reflects broader societal changes during the Victorian period regarding class structures and human relationships.
  • 'Wuthering Heights' serves as a microcosm for examining class structures and human relationships during the Victorian period. Through the tumultuous interactions between characters from different social backgrounds—such as Heathcliff’s rise from poverty to wealth—Brontë critiques the rigid class hierarchies that defined society. The novel illustrates how these social divisions impact personal relationships, demonstrating that love and hatred can transcend social boundaries but also lead to profound conflict. This nuanced exploration offers insight into a society grappling with issues related to class mobility and emotional complexity during a time of rapid change.

Related terms

Gothic Fiction: A genre of literature characterized by its use of supernatural elements, dark settings, and emotional extremes, often exploring themes of madness, isolation, and the uncanny.

Victorian Era: The period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, marked by significant social, political, and economic changes in Britain, which influenced literature and culture.

Brontë Sisters: The trio of literary siblings—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë—who were influential authors in the 19th century and are noted for their unique styles and contributions to literature.