The Brontë Sisters Works: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a journey through the Brontë Sisters works is to traverse a literary landscape rich with emotion, imagination, and groundbreaking narratives. The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are lauded figures in English literature, having carved out a distinctive place with their powerful and innovative novels. The path they blazed in the literary world was all the more remarkable considering the era they lived in – a time when female authors were often sidelined or forced to adopt pseudonyms.

They challenged the existing norms and brought forth a new depth of character development and narrative technique. Though their lives were touched by tragedy with each sister dying young, their works continue to captivate readers with themes of passion, individualism, and social criticism. The Brontë Parsonage Museum, once their family home, serves as a testament to their enduring influence, housing memorabilia and personal artifacts that offer insight into the lives of these remarkable sisters. The Brontës’ works are a testament to their genius, a trio of literary voices that continue to resonate through the ages.

Jump straight to: Charlotte Brontë Bibliography | Emily Brontë Bibliography | Anne Brontë Bibliography

1. Life and Background

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were English novelists whose works have become classics of English literature. They grew up in Haworth, a rural village in Yorkshire, under the watchful eye of their father, Patrick Brontë.

1.1. Family and Early Life

Patrick Brontë, an Irish clergyman, moved to Haworth in 1820 to serve as a parson. He and his wife, Maria Branwell Brontë, had six children, with the three sisters being the most notable. The family endured tragedy early on, with the death of their mother and two older siblings, Maria and Elizabeth. The children formed a close bond, with their isolated upbringing at the parsonage contributing to their creative development. The village of Haworth became a character in itself in their lives, with its moorland setting influencing their literary imaginations.

After the loss of their mother and two eldest siblings, the remaining Brontë children – Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne – were left in the care of their aunt, Elizabeth Branwell. They often retreated into their world of make-believe. Charlotte and Branwell created the fantasy world of Angria, while Emily and Anne created Gondal. These early writings, collectively known as their juvenilia, formed the foundation of their literary development.

1.2. Literary Development

The Brontë sisters initially worked as governesses and teachers, roles common for women of their status and era, which afforded them time and insight that would enhance their writing. Though working as a governess was not always fulfilling, it allowed them access to literature and a space for the cultivation of their literary talents. Their brother Branwell also pursued artistic and literary ambitions, though his life was marred by addiction and unfulfilled potential.

The sisters’ quest for literary success was partially motivated by a desire to provide financial stability independent of traditional roles. In a bold move, they published a joint collection of poems under male pseudonyms due to the gender biases of the day. Their first publication failed to garner much attention, but it set the stage for their later success. 

Contemporary accounts of the Brontës were heavily shaped by the biography written by Elizabeth Gaskell, which, while sympathetic, also framed their story through a Victorian lens that sometimes distorted or dramatized their lives. Despite this, it contributed significantly to the mythos surrounding the Brontë family.

2. Major Brontë Sisters Works and Publications

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, achieved literary acclaim under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell respectively. Their novels, which are now considered classics of English literature, often delved into gothic themes and complex character developments, distinguishing themselves from the works of Jane Austen by their emotional intensity.

2.1. Charlotte Brontë Works

Charlotte Brontë, writing as Currer Bell, produced several novels, but her most renowned work is Jane Eyre (1847). This novel became an instant classic in English literature and is often celebrated for its strong-minded heroine and social criticism. Another significant work, Shirley (1849), offered a more nuanced examination of the industrial world, while Villette (1853) reflected on her experiences in Brussels with an introspective narrative.

2.2. Emily Brontë Works

Emily Brontë’s sole novel, Wuthering Heights (1847), attributed to Ellis Bell, stands out in English literature for its original narrative structure and dark, passionate depiction of love and vengeance. The novel has garnered a unique position in the gothic genre, distinguished by its intense psychological depth and complex characters.

2.3. Anne Brontë Works

Anne Brontë, who wrote as Acton Bell, is known for her works that often critiqued the social norms of her time. Her first novel, Agnes Grey (1847), which focuses on the challenges faced by a governess, draws from her personal experiences. Her second and last novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848), is considered one of the first feminist novels due to its portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle against a dissolute husband.

You might be interested: The Brontë Sisters’ famous poems.

3. Literary Influence and Legacy

3.1. Gothic and Romantic Influences

The Brontë sisters were heavily influenced by the Gothic and Romantic literary movements of the 18th and 19th centuries. Their novels are characterized by dark, brooding atmospheres, supernatural elements, and intense emotional experiences. The Brontës’ use of gothic themes, such as haunted houses, mysterious strangers, and supernatural occurrences, can be seen in works such as “Wuthering Heights” and “Jane Eyre.” These elements add to the suspense and tension of the novels, making them thrilling and captivating reads.

In addition to gothic influences, the Brontës were also influenced by the Romantic literary movement, which emphasized individualism, emotion, and nature. The sisters’ works often feature passionate and intense characters who are driven by their emotions and desires. The natural world is also a prominent theme in their writing, with descriptions of the moors and landscapes of their native Yorkshire featuring prominently in their works.

3.2. Social Criticism and Feminism

The Brontë sisters were also known for their social criticism and feminist views. In their novels, they often highlighted the injustices and inequalities faced by women in Victorian society. Their female characters are strong-willed and independent, challenging the traditional gender roles of the time. For example, in “Jane Eyre,” the protagonist refuses to conform to societal expectations and instead chooses to follow her path, even if it means going against the norms of her time.

The Brontës’ works also address issues of class and social status, with many of their characters coming from humble backgrounds and facing discrimination and prejudice. By highlighting these issues, the sisters sought to bring attention to the inequalities and injustices of their time and to encourage their readers to think critically about the society in which they lived.

3.3. Cultural Impact

The Brontës’ cultural impact is substantial, inspiring countless adaptations, from film to theater. Charlotte and Emily are often cited together for their outstanding contributions to the canon of English literature, and their works are studied in educational institutions around the world. Scholarly discussions continue to explore themes of gender, social class, and psychology within the Brontës’ novels, manifesting their lasting relevance in contemporary discourse. Each sister carved her own unique legacy, but together, they have transformed and enriched the literary landscape forever.

4. Charlotte Brontë Bibliography

Novels:

Jane Eyre (1847)

Shirley (1849)

Villette (1853)

The Professor (1857), written before Jane Eyre but published posthumously. 

Emma (1860), unfinished manuscript with only 20 pages completed by Charlotte. It was published posthumously. 

Two continuations of this manuscript have been published: Emma, by Constance Savery (1980), and Emma Brown, by Clare Boylan (2003). 

Collections:

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (1846)

Poems:

• Pilate’s Wife’s Dream
• Mementos
• The Wife’s Will
• Frances
• Gilbert
• Life
• The Letter
• Regret
• Presentiment
• The Teacher’s Monologue
• Passion
• Preference
• Evening Solace
• Stanzas
• Parting
• Apostasy
• Winter Stores
• The Missionary

Recommended: Charlotte Brontë’s Best Poems

You might be interested: Free Charlotte Brontë books at PageVio.

5. Emily Brontë Bibliography

Novels:

Wuthering Heights (1847)

Collections:

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (1846)

Poems:

• Faith and Despondency
• Stars
• The Philosopher
• Remembrance
• A Death-scene
• Song
• Anticipation
• The Prisoner
• Hope
• A Day Dream
• To Imagination
• How Clear She Shines
• Sympathy
• Plead for Me
• Self-interogation
• Death
• Stanzas to ——
• Honour’s Martyr
• Stanzas
• My Comforter
• The Old Stoic
• The Bluebell
• The Night-wind
• Love and Friendship
• The Elder’s Rebuke
• The Wanderer From the Fold
• Warning and Reply
• Last Words
• The Lady to Her Guitar
• The Two Children
• The Visionary
• Encouragement
• Stanzas

Recommended: Emily Brontë’s Best Poems

You might be interested: Free Emily Brontë books at PageVio.

6. Anne Brontë Bibliography

Novels:

Agnes Grey (1847)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848)

Collections:

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (1846)

Poems:

• A Reminiscence
• The Arbour
• Home
• Vanitas Vanitatum, Omnia Vanitas
• The Penitent
• Music on Christmas Morning
• Stanzas
• If This Be All
• Memory
• To Cowper
• The Doubter’s Prayer
• A Word to the “Elect”
• Past Days
• The Consolation
• Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day
• Views of Life
• Appeal
• The Student’s Serenade
• The Captive Dove
• Self-congratulation
• Fluctuations
• Despondency
• A Prayer
• In Memory of a Happy Day in February
• Confidence
• Lines Written From Home
• The Narrow Way
• Domestic Peace
• The Three Guides

Recommended: Anne Brontë’s Best Poems

You might be interested: Free Anne Brontë books at PageVio.