16.2 The Brontë sisters: lives and literary contributions
4 min read•august 1, 2024
The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were pioneering Victorian novelists who transformed English literature. Growing up in isolated Yorkshire, their unique upbringing and experiences shaped their writing, leading to groundbreaking works that explored themes of love, , and .
Their novels, including "," "," and "," challenged literary conventions and societal norms. The Brontës' innovative narrative techniques, complex characters, and bold themes paved the way for more nuanced portrayals of women in literature and influenced generations of writers.
Lives and Influences of the Brontë Sisters
Family Background and Early Life
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- Charlotte, Emily, and grew up in Haworth, Yorkshire, in the early 19th century
- Experienced relatively isolated and unconventional upbringing
- Shaped their literary works significantly
- Premature deaths of their mother and two eldest sisters profoundly impacted the remaining Brontë children
- Influenced themes of loss and resilience in their writing
- Father Patrick Brontë encouraged their intellectual pursuits
- Provided access to wide range of literature
- Contributed to their literary development
- Yorkshire moors surrounding their home became significant source of inspiration
- Evident in Emily's "Wuthering Heights"
- Appeared in various poems by all three sisters
Professional Experiences and Literary Development
- Brontë sisters' experiences as governesses and teachers informed their writing
- Portrayed education and role of women in society in their novels
- Initially published works under male pseudonyms (Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell)
- Avoided prejudice against female authors
- Maintained privacy
- Collaborative nature of early writing fostered creativity and narrative skills
- Created imaginary worlds of Angria and Gondal
- Explored themes of female autonomy and societal constraints in their works
- Each sister approached from different perspective
Literary Styles of the Brontë Sisters
Charlotte Brontë's Narrative Techniques
- "Jane Eyre" exemplifies and style
- Explores themes of morality, social class, and female independence
- "Villette" further develops introspective narrative technique
- Delves deeper into protagonist's psyche
- Explores themes of isolation and cultural differences
- Employs "Byronic hero" motif in her works
- Most notably in "Jane Eyre"
Emily Brontë's Gothic and Poetic Style
- "Wuthering Heights" showcases unique approach to Gothic genre
- Employs complex narrative structure
- Features intense, passionate characters
- Poetry reflects profound connection to nature and spirituality
- Characterized by vivid imagery and emotional intensity
- Example: "No Coward Soul Is Mine"
- Incorporates supernatural and prominently in her work
Anne Brontë's Realistic and Didactic Approach
- "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" demonstrates direct and didactic style
- Addresses controversial topics (alcoholism and marital abuse)
- "Agnes Grey" draws heavily from personal experiences as governess
- Employs straightforward and realistic narrative style
- Focuses more on realistic social commentary than supernatural elements
Themes and Motifs in Brontë Novels
Nature and the Human Psyche
- Nature as reflection of characters' inner states recurs across sisters' works
- Particularly prominent in Emily's writing
- Present in Charlotte's and Anne's novels as well
- Yorkshire moors serve as backdrop and metaphor for characters' emotions
- Example: Stormy weather reflecting tumultuous relationships in "Wuthering Heights"
Social Class and Relationships
- All sisters address theme of social class and its impact on relationships
- Varying degrees of critique and emphasis on social mobility
- Exploration of constraints imposed by societal expectations
- Example: Jane Eyre's struggle with her position as governess in "Jane Eyre"
- Anne's works often focus on realistic portrayal of class dynamics
- Example: Depiction of life as a governess in "Agnes Grey"
Love, Passion, and Romance
- All three sisters incorporate elements of romance in their novels
- Each treats love and passion differently
- Emily portrays wild, all-consuming love
- Example: Catherine and Heathcliff's destructive relationship in "Wuthering Heights"
- Anne takes more pragmatic approach to romance
- Example: Helen's decision to leave her abusive husband in "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall"
- Charlotte explores complex romantic relationships
- Example: Jane and Rochester's evolving relationship in "Jane Eyre"
Brontë Sisters' Impact on the Victorian Novel
Narrative Innovations
- Challenged conventional narrative techniques
- Used first-person narration and unreliable narrators
- Influenced evolution of novel form
- Explored female psychology and interiority
- Paved way for more complex and nuanced portrayals of women in literature
- Expanded acceptable subject matter in Victorian literature
- Addressed topics (madness, domestic abuse, female sexuality)
Genre Development and Cultural Influence
- Helped establish literary merit of Gothic genre
- Integrated Gothic elements into mainstream Victorian fiction
- Depicted regional life and dialects in Yorkshire
- Influenced development of regional novels
- Contributed to preservation of local cultures in literature
- Works have had lasting impact on popular culture
- Inspired numerous adaptations and reinterpretations across various media (film, theater, television)
- Cemented place in literary canon
Advancement of Women in Literature
- Success as female authors encouraged other women writers
- Contributed to growing acceptance of women's voices in literature
- Challenged societal norms through their characters and themes
- Example: Jane Eyre's assertion of independence and equality
- Addressed women's rights and societal roles in their works
- Example: Anne Brontë's critique of marital laws in "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall"
Key Terms to Review (23)
Anne Brontë: Anne Brontë was a 19th-century English novelist and poet, known for her contributions to the Brontë sisters' literary legacy. As the youngest of the three Brontë siblings, her work often explored themes of social criticism, women's rights, and moral integrity, showcasing a distinctive voice in English literature that complements those of her sisters, Charlotte and Emily. Anne's novels, particularly 'Agnes Grey' and 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', are notable for their realism and nuanced characterizations.
Canonical literature: Canonical literature refers to works that are widely accepted as being of the highest quality and significance within a particular literary tradition or culture. These texts are often considered essential reading and are frequently taught in educational settings, shaping the understanding of literary heritage and influencing subsequent authors.
Charlotte Brontë: Charlotte Brontë was a 19th-century English novelist and poet, best known for her novel 'Jane Eyre,' which is celebrated for its strong female protagonist and exploration of themes like morality, social criticism, and gender roles. Her work reflects the Victorian values and social norms of her time while challenging traditional gender and class representations.
Childhood isolation: Childhood isolation refers to the emotional and physical separation experienced by children, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation. This concept highlights the impact of solitude on a child's development, affecting their social skills, emotional health, and worldview. In the context of literary contributions, particularly in the works of the Brontë sisters, this theme often serves as a lens through which their characters navigate their struggles and relationships.
Emily Brontë: Emily Brontë was an English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, 'Wuthering Heights', published in 1847 under the pseudonym 'Ellis Bell'. She is one of the prominent figures of the Brontë literary family, alongside her sisters Charlotte and Anne, contributing significantly to the landscape of 19th-century literature with her unique exploration of complex characters and themes of nature, love, and revenge.
Female autonomy: Female autonomy refers to the capacity of women to make independent choices regarding their own lives, including decisions related to their identity, desires, and social roles. This concept is crucial in understanding the emergence of female characters in literature who challenge traditional societal norms and assert their rights to self-determination, particularly during the time of the Brontë sisters.
Feminist literary criticism: Feminist literary criticism is a critical approach that examines literature through the lens of gender inequality and the representation of women, focusing on how texts reinforce or challenge patriarchal norms. This perspective explores how literature reflects societal attitudes towards gender and advocates for a more equitable representation of women's experiences and voices.
First-person narrative: A first-person narrative is a storytelling technique where the narrator recounts events from their own perspective, using 'I' or 'we' pronouns. This style allows readers to experience the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the narrator, creating an intimate connection between the character and the audience. It often influences how events are interpreted and can establish a unique voice that reflects the narrator's personality and worldview.
Gender Roles: Gender roles are the expectations and norms regarding how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender. These roles have historically defined the social, political, and economic spheres, influencing literature and character development by reflecting societal values and conflicts during different historical periods.
George Eliot: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent English novelist, poet, and journalist of the Victorian era known for her keen psychological insight and realistic portrayal of society. Her works often reflect the complexities of human relationships, moral dilemmas, and the influence of societal norms, making significant contributions to the development of the modern novel.
Gothic elements: Gothic elements refer to a set of literary features that evoke mystery, horror, and the supernatural, often utilizing dark settings, complex characters, and themes of psychological struggle. These elements create an atmosphere of dread and suspense that engages readers on both emotional and intellectual levels, highlighting the darker aspects of human experience.
Jane Eyre: Jane Eyre is a novel written by Charlotte Brontë, published in 1847 under the pen name Currer Bell. It tells the story of an orphaned girl, Jane, who grows into a strong, independent woman while navigating her challenging childhood, complex relationships, and the quest for love and self-identity. This novel is significant for its exploration of social issues, including gender roles, class disparity, and morality, making it a key work in understanding the contributions of the Brontë sisters to Victorian literature.
Lake Poets: The Lake Poets were a group of English Romantic poets who lived in the Lake District during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This collective is known for their deep connection to nature, individualism, and emotional expression in poetry, which profoundly influenced the literary landscape of the time. The Brontë sisters, although not part of this group, shared thematic elements with the Lake Poets, including an emphasis on nature, emotion, and the complexities of human experience.
Literary realism: Literary realism is a style of writing that aims to represent life and society as accurately and truthfully as possible, focusing on everyday events and ordinary characters. This approach emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against the romanticism that idealized life, instead highlighting the mundane and often harsh realities of existence. By emphasizing detailed descriptions and authentic dialogue, literary realism seeks to engage readers with relatable experiences and characters.
Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley was an English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,' published in 1818. As a pivotal figure in Gothic fiction, her writing embodies the genre's characteristics of horror, the supernatural, and the exploration of the human condition, connecting it to earlier works and influencing future generations of writers.
Pseudonyms used: 'currer bell', 'ellis bell', 'acton bell': 'Currer Bell', 'Ellis Bell', and 'Acton Bell' are the pseudonyms adopted by the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë—respectively. These names allowed the sisters to publish their works in a male-dominated literary world, providing them with both anonymity and a way to challenge societal norms regarding gender and authorship. The choice of these masculine names reflected their desire for their literary voices to be taken seriously and to gain recognition beyond their gendered identities.
Psychological realism: Psychological realism is a literary technique that focuses on the inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations of characters, providing a deep exploration of their psychological states. This approach often emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and relationships, allowing readers to connect with characters on a more intimate level. It plays a significant role in shaping narratives, especially in early novels and the works of later writers, reflecting the influence of societal changes and the evolution of character development.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. It was a response to the industrial revolution and the scientific rationalization of nature, advocating for a return to emotional depth and a focus on personal experience in art and literature.
Social class: Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between groups of people in society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. It plays a crucial role in shaping characters, themes, and conflicts in literature, often highlighting the disparities and dynamics of power within society.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings as they occur in a character's mind, often in a nonlinear fashion. This approach immerses readers into the character's inner world, reflecting their mental processes and subjective experiences, making it particularly effective in conveying complex emotional states and thoughts.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a novel written by Anne Brontë, first published in 1848. It is considered one of the first feminist novels, exploring themes such as women's independence, marriage, and social norms through the story of Helen Graham, a mysterious woman who seeks to escape her troubled marriage and assert her own identity. The novel challenges the traditional roles of women during the Victorian era, making significant contributions to discussions around gender and society.
Victorian England: Victorian England refers to the period of British history during Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, marked by industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes. This era was characterized by a strict moral code, a rise in the middle class, and significant advancements in literature and the arts, making it crucial for understanding the contributions of notable writers and social critics.
Wuthering Heights: Wuthering Heights is a novel written by Emily Brontë, published in 1847, which is often considered a classic of Gothic literature. The story explores intense emotions, complex characters, and the dark aspects of human nature, while also presenting themes of love, revenge, and social class against a haunting Yorkshire moorland backdrop. The novel's narrative structure, with its unreliable narrators and intricate timelines, adds to its Gothic atmosphere and psychological depth.