The Brontë Family Legacy: Unveiling the Literary Powerhouse

The Brontë family, originally hailing from the West Riding of Yorkshire in England, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. The family’s lineage boasts a trio of sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë – who became some of the most lauded writers of the nineteenth century. Their works, often characterized by innovative narrative styles and an exploration of contemporary social issues, have become classics of English literature.

The family’s story is not just one of literary achievements, but also personal tragedy. Their works emerged from an parsonage on the Yorkshire moors, a place that influenced their storytelling. Their lives were beset with difficulties, including the early deaths of their mother and two older siblings, followed by the untimely demise of each of the Brontë writers. Despite the brevity of their lives, the legacy they left through their literature continues to be studied and cherished.

1. The Brontë Family Overview

The Brontë family has left an indelible mark on English literature. Originating from Haworth, a quaint village in Yorkshire, this literary household was headed by Patrick Brontë, the family patriarch, and a dedicated parson.

Patrick arrived in Haworth in 1820 to assume his role at the village Parsonage, which later became the family home. The Parsonage, now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, provided a backdrop to the lives and works of the Brontës.

The family comprised six children, though the focus is often on the three sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. Each sister made significant contributions to English literature, penning classics such as Jane Eyre (Charlotte), Wuthering Heights (Emily), and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Anne).

Their literary prowess was cultivated in the isolation of the moors surrounding Haworth and the close-knit environment of their home. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of their mother Maria Branwell and two elder siblings, Maria and Elizabeth, in childhood, the Brontës’ works are renowned for their emotional depth, complex characters, and vivid descriptions of the rural landscape.

The Brontë family’s legacy endures, with scholars and enthusiasts continually exploring the profound impact of their collective works on the canon of English literature. Their experiences in Haworth and the influence of their father’s intellectual and spiritual guidance were crucial in shaping their narratives, which continue to resonate with readers worldwide.

2. Biographies of the Brontë Siblings

The Brontë siblings consist of novelists Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and their brother Branwell, whose lives were marked by their extraordinary talents and tragic encounters with tuberculosis.

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855), the eldest of the Brontë sisters, gained fame for her novel Jane Eyre, which is considered a classic of English literature. Working as a governess, Charlotte used her experiences to inform her writing. Despite the success of her novels, Charlotte’s life was tinged with hardship, as she endured the loss of her siblings to tuberculosis and died shortly after her marriage.

Recommended: Charlotte Brontë Biography | Charlotte Brontë Works

Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë (1818–1848) is best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, a stark depiction of passion and revenge on the Yorkshire moors. Her ability to evoke the natural surroundings and her originality have distinguished her as a profound influence in literature. Emily’s life, like her writing, was intensely private, and she too succumbed to tuberculosis at the young age of 30.

Recommended: Emily Brontë Biography | Emily Brontë Works

Anne Brontë

Anne Brontë (1820–1849) published two novels under the pen name Acton Bell. Her work included Agnes Grey, based on her experiences as a governess, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, praised for its forward-thinking views on women’s resilience and autonomy. Anne also shared the same fate as her siblings, passing away from tuberculosis one year after Emily’s death.

Recommended: Anne Brontë Biography | Anne Brontë Works

Patrick Branwell Brontë

Patrick Branwell Brontë (1817–1848), the only brother, remains the least recognized of the Brontës. His struggle with alcohol and opium addictions overshadowed his attempts at painting and writing. Branwell’s death from tuberculosis was followed by the successive deaths of his sisters, which only added to the melancholy that seems to define the Brontë family narrative.

Recommended: Patrick Branwell Brontë Biography

3. Literary Works and Legacy

The Brontë family left a profound impact on English literature through a remarkable collection of novels and poetry that continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and innovative style.

3.1. Novels and Poetry

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, initially published their literary works under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, respectively. Their use of these masculine pen names allowed them to avoid the prejudices of their time against female authors.

• Charlotte Brontë authored several novels; however, her most celebrated work is the novel Jane Eyre, which was her second novel but is often mistakenly thought of as her first. Her other novels are Shirley, Villette and The Professor.
• Emily Brontë’s sole novel, Wuthering Heights, stands as a unique masterpiece in English literature.
• Anne Brontë wrote two significant novels, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, both of which received appreciation posthumously.

Their poetry, often neglected beside their novels, reveals their literary depth. The Brontë sisters published their first collection of poetry in 1846. The book, titled Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, received minimal attention initially, with only a few copies sold. However, the sisters’ poetic talents were evident in this collection, and it laid the foundation for their later literary success as novelists. Charlotte’s “Evening Solace”, Emily’s “Remembrance” and Anne’s “The Narrow Way” were among the notable works included, providing glimpses of the distinctive voices and themes that would later flourish in their novels.

You might be interested: Best Brontë Sisters Poems

3.2. Themes and Styles

The Brontës incorporated a wide range of themes into their writing, from complex moral issues to the role of women in society. They were noted for their use of gothic elements, introspection, and realism.

Charlotte Brontë utilized a strong first-person narrative in Jane Eyre, engaging readers with the protagonist’s inner world. Emily Brontë crafted the environment of Wuthering Heights to reflect the turbulent nature of the characters’ relationships, with the moors becoming a near-sentient presence in the narrative. Anne Brontë often explored themes of social isolation and the struggles faced by women in restrictive societal roles, particularly through the character of Helen Graham in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Their writing style is marked by a bold exploration of psychological and emotional states, which was groundbreaking during the Victorian era. The works of the Brontë sisters have a lasting legacy, continuing to resonate and inspire both academic scholarship and popular culture.

You can read the Brontës’ literary works free at PageVio. Simply click or tap on any of the images below.

4. The Brontë Parsonage Museum

Located in Haworth, West Yorkshire, the Brontë Parsonage Museum was once the home of the Brontë family, renowned for their contributions to English literature. This historical house where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë grew up became a museum in 1928 and is maintained by the Brontë Society.

Exhibitions and Collections:

• The museum houses a vast collection of the Brontës’ manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings.
• Visitors can see the rooms where the sisters wrote their famous novels.
• Periodic exhibitions provide insights into different aspects of the Brontë family and Victorian life.

Visitor Experience:

• Authenticity: The home is preserved with furnishings and décor that replicate the Brontës’ time.
• Literary Events: The museum organizes events, including readings and workshops, celebrating the Brontës’ legacy.

Location:

• The Brontë Parsonage Museum is situated amidst the Yorkshire moors, landscapes that inspired the Brontës’ writings.

5. Notable Biographies and Criticisms

Elizabeth Gaskell’s The Life of Charlotte Brontë is a seminal biography that offers an intimate portrait of Charlotte Brontë’s life. Published in 1857, it was among the first biographies about a woman by a woman. Gaskell, a friend of Charlotte, portrayed her as a delicate, moral force in literature, although the biography has faced criticism for potential inaccuracies and biases.

Biographical Assessments:

• Gaskell’s perspective: Sympathetic interpretation of Brontë’s character and family dynamics.
• Contemporary views: Some critics argue Gaskell’s narrative is overly romanticized, overshadowing Charlotte’s tenacity and professional struggles.

Literary Criticism revolves around the societal influences on the Brontës’ works and their pioneering role in the development of the novel. Charlotte Brontë, in particular, is often examined for themes of gender, class, and identity in her novels, such as Jane Eyre and Villette.

Key Perspectives in Criticism:

• Feminism: Charlotte Brontë’s work is a subject of feminist literary scrutiny, exploring her approach to the societal constraints on women.
• Class examination: Scholars dissect the social structures of Victorian England portrayed in her novels.
• Psychological depth: Critics commend the intricate emotional landscapes Charlotte Brontë crafted in her characters.

It is imperative to note that subsequent biographies have expanded upon and sometimes contested Gaskell’s accounts, reflecting an evolving understanding of the Brontës’ private and literary lives against the backdrop of their historical context.

6. Key Historical Contexts

The Brontë family’s narrative unfolds against a backdrop of significant social changes, prevalent health issues, and distinct family dynamics in 19th-century Britain. These elements provided the setting that shaped their lives and literature.

6.1. Social Background

The Brontë family was deeply rooted in Yorkshire, a region known for its rural landscapes and burgeoning industrial towns. This setting influenced their literary works, which often contrasted the harshness of the moors with the restrictive social structures of the time. In Brussels, where Charlotte and Emily received part of their education, the cultural exposure became crucial in their development as writers, diversifying their social perspectives.

6.2. Health and Illness

Health crises pervaded the Brontë family. Tuberculosis was rife during the 19th century, causing the untimely death of their mother and two eldest siblings. The pervasive threat of illness cast a shadow over the family, with Emily, and Anne all dying of tuberculosis between 1848 and 1849, emphasizing the fragility of life in that era. 

6.3. Marriage and Family Life

Marital and family structures in the Brontë family were complex. Their father, Patrick Brontë, outlived his wife and six children, dying at the age of 84. Charlotte was married to Arthur Bell Nicholls, her father’s curate. Professional duties were also integral to the family; the sisters’ work as governesses provided them with experiences that permeated their writing, juxtaposing their aspirations with the realities of women during that period.

7. The Legacy of Brontë Sisters in Popular Culture

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, have had a profound impact on popular culture, with their works influencing literature, film, television, and the arts. Charlotte’s Jane Eyre and Emily’s Wuthering Heights are particularly pivotal, having been adapted into numerous films and television series. 

Adaptations:

• Jane Eyre: This novel by Charlotte Brontë has had over 20 film and TV adaptations, including a 2011 feature film and a 2006 mini-series.
• Wuthering Heights: Emily Brontë’s only novel has seen similar success, especially with the iconic 1939 film and the 2011 adaptation.

Cultural References: Their influence extends to music, with bands such as the Brontë Brothers, and literature where they commonly feature in quotations, homages, and inspirations.

Literary Influence: Writers continue to draw from the rich, emotional depths of the Brontës’ works, acknowledging their contributions to themes of love, class, and feminism. This influence is evident in the robust scholarship and literary criticism that thrive to this day.

Despite their early deaths, the sisters’ legacy in popular culture is undiminished. Through their compelling storytelling and exploration of complex emotions, the Brontë sisters remain a cornerstone in both classical and contemporary conversations within the arts.

8. Death and Posthumous Recognition

The Brontë family experienced a series of tragedies regarding their mortality. Charlotte Brontë, the most recognized of the Brontë sisters, died on March 31, 1855 at the age of 38, with her death often attributed to complications related to her pregnancy. This was just three years after she married Arthur Bell Nicholls. Charlotte returned to her writing frequently throughout her life but her career was cut short by her untimely death. 

Branwell Brontë, Charlotte’s only brother, preceded her in death, passing away on September 24, 1848. The cause of his death is generally acknowledged to be chronic bronchitis exacerbated by alcohol and laudanum use, reflecting the struggles he dealt with most of his adult life.

.Emily Brontë passed away on December 19, 1848 at the age of 30, from tuberculosis, just a few months after Branwell. Anne Brontë died on May 28, 1849, also from tuberculosis.

The recognition of the Brontë family, especially the sisters, grew significantly after their deaths, with their novels such as Charlotte’s Jane Eyre and Emily’s Wuthering Heights, achieving classic status in English literature. Their life experiences, the dramatic and untimely nature of their deaths, and their literary talents add a poignant aspect to their legacy. Yet their creative output has continued to resonate over the centuries, affirming the sisters’ enduring place in literary history.