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Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855 Books
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John Malham-Dembleby
The Key to the Brontë Works The Key to Charlotte Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights,' 'Jane Eyre,' and her other works.
"The Key to the Brontë Works" by John Malham-Dembleby is a literary analysis written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a companion volume to the iconic novels of Charlotte Brontë, including "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre," exploring the relationships between her life experiences and the themes and characters present in her writings. The book provides insights into the methods of construction of Brontë's works while uncovering the significant connections between her personal life and the events and figures in her stories. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the life of Charlotte Brontë, detailing her early years, familial relationships, and the influence of her upbringing on her creative output. Malham-Dembleby emphasizes the impact of her friendships, notably with M. Héger, and her experiences during her time in Brussels, suggesting that these experiences formed the basis of many of her characters and narratives. He aims to reveal Brontë's artistic integrity and the deep personal connections evident in her writings, leading to the assertion that her storied characters and plots are direct reflections of her own life.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1
"The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a biography published in 1857. Drawing on personal friendship, letters, and firsthand testimonies, Gaskell crafted an intimate portrait of the celebrated novelist that sparked immediate controversy. Complaints of slander forced the publisher to withdraw the first edition and issue censored versions within months. Despite its contested accuracy, this groundbreaking work transformed biographical writing, inspired enduring literary tourism to Yorkshire, and elevated the Brontë family to lasting cultural prominence.
Clement King Shorter
Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle
"Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle" by Clement King Shorter is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and relationships of Charlotte Brontë, her family, and her contemporaries, adding new insights and letters that have not been previously published. The work seeks to present a more nuanced understanding of Charlotte and her sisters, challenging the notions established by earlier biographies, particularly that of Mrs. Gaskell. The opening of the book begins with a preface where Shorter acknowledges the contributions of various individuals who assisted him in compiling the new material about the Brontës. He expresses gratitude to friends and family who provided letters and information, highlighting the significance of these documents in painting a fuller picture of Charlotte's life. Additionally, the preface transitions smoothly into an overview of key figures in the Brontë family, including an exploration of Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell, before launching into detailed accounts of Charlotte’s life and literary journey. Overall, the opening establishes the book's ambition to deepen the reader's appreciation of the Brontë sisters' literary legacy and the complexities of their lives, marked by personal struggles and creativity.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2
"The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a biography published in 1857. Drawing on personal friendship, letters, and firsthand testimonies, Gaskell crafted an influential portrait of the celebrated novelist. The first edition sparked immediate controversy, with slander complaints forcing its withdrawal and prompting censored revisions within months. Despite legal challenges and contested integrity, this groundbreaking work established the Brontë family as enduring cultural subjects, inspired literary tourism to Yorkshire, and expanded the possibilities of biographical writing while addressing women's situations in Victorian society.
T. Wemyss (Thomas Wemyss) Reid
Charlotte Brontë: A Monograph
"Charlotte Brontë: A Monograph" by T. Wemyss Reid is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and character of the renowned author Charlotte Brontë, attempting to provide fresh insights into her personality and experiences that may have been overlooked by her earlier biographer, Mrs. Gaskell. It delves into the complexities of Brontë's life, her literary genius, and the often misunderstood nuances of her character. The opening of the monograph introduces the author’s motivation for writing about Charlotte Brontë, emphasizing the gaps left in previous accounts, particularly regarding her emotional depth and the joys of her life that were overshadowed by her tragedies. Reid notes the significance of Brontë's correspondence with her lifelong friend Ellen Nussey, which serves as a poignant window into her true self beyond the melancholic image often portrayed. He also critiques Mrs. Gaskell’s portrayal, suggesting that Charlotte was not merely a victim of her circumstances but a vibrant individual shaped by her experiences, ready to share her remarkable journey with the world.
Frederika Macdonald
The Secret of Charlotte Brontë Followed by Remiiscences of the real Monsieur and Madame Heger
"The Secret of Charlotte Brontë" by Frederika Macdonald is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and inner experiences of renowned author Charlotte Brontë, focusing on a pivotal period during her stay in Brussels and her relationship with her professor, Monsieur Heger, whose influence is believed to have shaped her literary genius. At the start of this work, the author discusses the flawed critical interpretations that have shaped Charlotte Brontë's legacy, particularly emphasizing her relationship with Monsieur Heger, which has often been misunderstood due to the influence of biographer Mrs. Gaskell. Macdonald critiques the psychological methods used to analyze Brontë's life and literary output, arguing for a more historically accurate understanding of her emotions and experiences, especially during her formative years in Brussels. The opening establishes the groundwork for exploring Brontë's deep passions and the personal struggles that informed her work, setting the stage for the letters that reveal her true feelings and the 'secret' that lies at the heart of her creative expression.
Alice Meynell
Hearts of Controversy
"Hearts of Controversy" by Alice Meynell is a collection of literary essays written during the early 20th century that delves into the works of notable poets and authors including Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The essays explore the evolution of literary reputation, the nuances of poetic style, and the impact of personal experience on creative expression. The central themes revolve around the changing perceptions of literature over time and the enduring qualities that define great writing. At the start of "Hearts of Controversy," Meynell discusses Tennyson's fluctuating reputation, reflecting on the way public opinion has shifted from elevation to critique over the decades. She emphasizes Tennyson's unique style and the dichotomy within his work, praising the majesty of his verse while acknowledging criticism related to his mannerisms. Meynell also addresses Dickens, contrasting his portrayal of good and evil against a backdrop of humor and humanity, alongside an analysis of the Brontë sisters' contributions to literature. Each essay invites readers into a deeper contemplation of the intricacies of literary art and the complexities of its creators, highlighting both the beauty and the turmoil of their experiences.
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