illustrated portrait of English author Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë

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Emily Brontë Biography

Emily Brontë’s innovative writing style conveys energy, emotion, and even violence—all of which show up to great effect in her famous novel Wuthering Heights. She also uses natural and mystical elements to draw readers into the world she has created. It is unfortunate, however, that these literary characteristics were not well-received during her lifetime. Perhaps her father’s liberated teaching style lent itself to Emily’s flare for poetry and fiction, as he allowed his children to read whatever they chose and treated them as equals. She and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, formed an early bond wrapped tightly around language and imagination. Although much of the author’s life remains a mystery, it is certain that Emily Brontë did not live long enough to show the world her full potential.

Facts and Trivia

  • While Emily and her siblings were homeschooled, they all became very close, especially she and her sister Anne. It is said that the two sisters were almost like twins, companions unable to be torn apart.
  • Emily finally returned to school at the age of seventeen; however, after only three months, she returned home, unable to handle life away at school.
  • After revealing their poetry to each other, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne published a collection titled Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, pseudonyms each sister chose corresponding to their real initials.
  • Wuthering Heights, Emily’s only published novel, was not well-received at first. It is now considered a classic of English literature.
  • After Emily’s death, Charlotte, the only surviving sibling, edited Wuthering Heights and had it republished under Emily’s full name. It had previously been published under the pseudonym Ellis Bell.

Biography

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Emily Brontë is a literary enigma, woven with mystery and intrigue. Born in 1818 in Thornton, Yorkshire, she spent most of her life in the serene yet confining atmosphere of her father’s parsonage in Haworth. Despite this seemingly uneventful life, Emily crafted the tempestuous world of Wuthering Heights, filled with passion and revenge, which continues to captivate readers.

Observing Life from the Sidelines

Though often portrayed as a recluse, Emily Brontë was, in reality, a keen observer of the world around her. Her father’s role as a minister provided her with unique insights into the lives of his diverse congregation. The Yorkshire people, known for their straightforward and sometimes fiery nature, surely inspired the intense characters within her famous novel.

Early Encounters with Emotional Turmoil

Emily's first brush with the themes of cruelty and hardship depicted in her novel likely occurred during her education at the Haworth school. It was there she witnessed her sister Maria suffer under the oppressive rule of a tyrannical headmistress. This was compounded by her brother Branwell’s struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as the rough and rugged lifestyle of the Yorkshire farmers. Despite this exposure, readers find the stark contrast between the violent themes of her work and her externally conventional life intriguing.

A Spark of Imagination

Brontë's imaginative spirit was kindled by a seemingly small event from her childhood. At age eight, her father gifted her and her siblings a set of wooden toy soldiers. This simple act led to the creation of elaborate imaginary worlds, where Emily's creative storytelling took root with the invention of Gondal, a fantasy island that fueled her youthful fantasies.

Return to the Parsonage

Emily's brief sojourn in Brussels came to an abrupt end with the death of her aunt. At 24, she returned to Haworth, where she spent the rest of her days. While managing household responsibilities, she delved into poetry inspired by her Gondal fantasies, publishing them alongside her sisters under the pseudonym "Ellis Bell." Though their collection, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, achieved little success, Emily's contributions were highly praised.

The Legacy of Wuthering Heights

In 1847, Emily saw the publication of Wuthering Heights, alongside Anne's Agnes Grey, following the success of Charlotte’s Jane Eyre. While Anne's work faded into obscurity, Charlotte’s was widely celebrated. Some Victorian critics, however, balked at the "vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors" of Emily's novel. Yet, Charlotte defended the novel's realistic portrayal, despite its unsettling elements, suggesting it was ahead of its time for Victorian sensibilities.

Emily's Final Chapter

Tragically, Emily Brontë did not live long after her novel's publication. Her devotion to her brother Branwell during his decline from substance abuse took a toll on her health. During his funeral, she contracted a severe cold that developed into tuberculosis. Refusing medical treatment, Emily passed away in December 1848, leaving behind a legacy of literary genius.

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