Emily Brontë: a Life Interwoven with Literary Myth
How it works
Emily Brontë, an iconic figure in English literature, has become mythologized both as an individual and as a member of the renowned Brontë sisters. Despite having authored only one novel, "Wuthering Heights," her contribution to literature is indelible. Her life, marked by personal tragedy and a quest for creative expression, provides a poignant backdrop to her literary achievements. This essay argues that Emily's unique upbringing and personal experiences profoundly influenced her writing style and thematic concerns, resulting in a body of work that resonates with readers to this day.
Contents
Early Life and Formative Experiences
Born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, Emily Brontë was the second youngest of six siblings: Maria, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Branwell, and Anne. The Brontë children's lives were irrevocably altered by the death of their mother when Emily was just three years old. This early loss meant that Emily and her siblings had to navigate life without a maternal figure, a reality that likely influenced the themes of loss and longing pervasive in her work. Educated primarily at home, the Brontë children were encouraged by their father, Patrick Brontë, to explore literature and the arts freely, fostering an environment conducive to creativity. Although they briefly attended the Clergy Daughters' School in Lancashire, the tragedies of Maria and Elizabeth's deaths from tuberculosis brought them back home, further reinforcing their insular and imaginative world.
The Brontë siblings, particularly the inseparable trio of Emily, Charlotte, and Anne, created intricate imaginary worlds that served as a refuge from their isolated existence in the remote village of Haworth. These early imaginative exercises were arguably a precursor to the rich, complex narratives they would later craft as authors. Emily's perceived social awkwardness and the family's reclusive lifestyle may have contributed to the depth and introspection evident in her writing. Her imagination, nurtured in solitude, foreshadowed the innovative and emotive qualities that define her literary legacy.
In 1838, Emily briefly worked as a teacher at Miss Patchett's School in Halifax, West Yorkshire. This experience, however, was short-lived as she yearned for the familiar comforts of home and returned to Thornton. Her time away, albeit brief, might have provided her with insights into the wider world, enriching her perspective. In 1845, the surviving Brontë sisters published "Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell," a collection that initially garnered little attention but later received critical acclaim for its beauty and depth. Emily, writing under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, struggled to find her place amidst her sisters' successes. Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" was an immediate hit, while Emily's "Wuthering Heights," published in 1847, faced harsh criticism from contemporary reviewers.
"Wuthering Heights" is now heralded as a masterpiece of English literature, distinguished by its dramatic and poetic narrative style. However, initial reactions were mixed, with some critics denouncing it as a "compound of vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors." Despite this, the novel's exploration of raw human emotions and the complexities of love and revenge set it apart from other works of its time. The novel's eventual acceptance as an American literary classic underscores its enduring significance and the remarkable foresight of its author.
Legacy and Posthumous Recognition
Tragically, Emily Brontë's life was cut short by tuberculosis on December 19, 1848, at the age of 30. Her untimely death mirrored the losses she had endured throughout her life, yet it was only after her passing that her work began to receive the recognition it deserved. Her sister Charlotte championed Emily's writing, highlighting the "complex beauty" of her novel. This posthumous appreciation speaks to the timeless nature of Emily's themes and the unique voice she brought to literature.
Emily Brontë's life and work continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Her ability to transform personal darkness into literary beauty is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Her quote from "Wuthering Heights," "Honest people don't hide their deeds," encapsulates her approach to writing—fearlessly channeling her innermost thoughts and emotions onto the page. In doing so, she crafted a narrative that remains both haunting and captivating, a true reflection of her tumultuous yet extraordinary life.
In conclusion, Emily Brontë's legacy as a novelist and poet is both profound and enduring. Her lack of formal education did not hinder her ability to produce one of the most well-regarded novels in literary history. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers, demonstrating that creativity and perseverance can transcend traditional educational boundaries. Emily's life, marked by tragedy and triumph, ultimately found its expression in the timeless pages of "Wuthering Heights," ensuring her place in the pantheon of great literary figures.
Emily Brontë: A Life Interwoven with Literary Myth. (2019, Jun 13). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-extraordinary-life-of-novelist-and-poet-emily-bronte/
