Charlotte Brontë: A Monograph
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Charlotte Brontë: A Monograph
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About this book
The work is a scholarly monograph by T. W. Reid that seeks to supplement the existing biographies of Charlotte Brontë, especially Mrs. Gaskell’s celebrated memoir. In its opening pages the author explains that the study was prompted by a request from a benefactor who supplied original material, and he acknowledges both his own limitations and the weight of preceding writers. Reid draws on fresh correspondence, about twenty letters previously printed in a now‑defunct American periodical and many more never before published in England or the United States, provided by Charlotte’s lifelong friend Ellen Nussey, her former teacher Miss Wooler, and other acquaintances such as Lord Houghton. The text is organized into detailed chapters covering the Brontë family, Charlotte’s early years, her career as governess, the creation and reception of each novel, her marriage, and posthumous honors, promising a comprehensive portrait grounded in primary sources.
The voice is that of a late‑Victorian scholar, earnest and reverent, employing a formal, descriptive style typical of 19th‑century literary criticism. It interweaves factual narrative with occasional reflective commentary, aiming to correct perceived gaps in earlier biographies. Readers who appreciate meticulous historical research, enjoy period‑appropriate prose, and have a keen interest in the Brontë family, Victorian literary culture, or biographical studies of female authors will find this monograph rewarding.
Characters in Charlotte Brontë
- Charlotte BrontëYoung Victorian woman, dark hair, high cheekbones, modest black dress, sensible bonnet
- Ellen NusseyMiddle‑aged lady, brown curls, gentle eyes, simple cream gown, modest shawl
- Miss WoolerOlder schoolmistress, grey hair pinned, spectacles, austere black coat, stern expression
The opening · free to read
PREFACE.
I have spoken so freely in the opening chapter of this Monograph of the circumstances under which it has been written, that very little need be said by way of introduction here. This attempt to throw some fresh light upon the character of one of the most remarkable women of our age has not been a task lightly taken up, or hastily performed. The life and genius of Charlotte Brontë had long engaged my attention before I undertook, at the request of the lady to whom I am indebted for most of the original materials I have employed in these pages, the work which I have now completed. In executing that work I have had ample reason to feel and acknowledge my own deficiencies. With the knowledge that I was treading in the footsteps of so consummate a literary artist as Mrs. Gaskell, I have been compelled to refrain from writing not a few of the chapters in Charlotte Brontë's life which are necessary to a complete acquaintance with her character, simply because they had been written so well already. And whilst I necessarily shrink from any appearance of rivalry with Charlotte Brontë's original biographer, I have been additionally oppressed by the feeling that the pen which can do full justice to one of the most moving and noble stories in English literature has not yet been found. But I have been sustained both by the sympathy of many friends, known and unknown, who share my feelings with regard to the Brontës, and by the invaluable assistance rendered to me by those who were intimately acquainted with the household at Haworth Parsonage. Foremost among these must be mentioned Miss Ellen Nussey, the schoolfellow and life-long friend of Charlotte Brontë, who has freely placed at my disposal all the letters and other materials she possessed from which any light could be thrown upon the career of her old companion, and who has in addition aided me with much valuable counsel and advice in the decision of many difficult points. Miss Wooler, who was Charlotte's attached teacher, and who still happily survives in a green old age, has also placed me under obligations by her readiness to supply me with her pupil's letters to herself. Nor must I omit to mention my indebtedness to Lord Houghton for information upon questions which could only be decided by those who met "Currer Bell" during her brief visits to London at a time when she was one of the literary lions of society.
The additions made in this volume to the Monograph as it originally appeared in Macmillan's Magazine are numerous and considerable. It should be mentioned that a few of the letters now published (about twenty) were printed some years ago in an American magazine now extinct. The remainder, and by far the larger portion, will be entirely new to readers alike in England and the United States.
HEADINGLEY HILL, LEEDS, February, 1877.
In Memory of
Maria, wife of the Rev'd P. Brontë. A.B., Minister of Haworth. She died Sept'r 15th, 1821, in the 59th year of her age. Also of Maria, their daughter; who died May 6th, 1825, in the 12th year of her age. Also of Elizabeth, their Daughter; who died June 15th, 1825, in the 11th year of her age. Also of Patrick Branwell, their son; who died Sept'r 24th, 1848, aged 31 years. Also of Emily Jane, their daughter; who died Dec'r 19th, 1848, aged 30 years. Also of Anne, their daughter; who died May 28th, 1849, aged 29 years. She was buried at the Old Church, Scarborough. Also of Charlotte, their daughter; wife of the Rev'd A. B. Nicolls, B.A. She died March 31st, 1855, in the 39th year of her age. Also of the aforementioned Rev'd P. Brontë, A.B., who died June 7th, 1861, in the 85th year of his age; having been Incumbent of Haworth for upwards of 41 years.
"_The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law; but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ._" 1 Cor. xv. 56, 57.
THE NEW BRONTË TABLET.]
CONTENTS.
The Story of "jane Eyre" 7
"Jane Eyre:" its Publication and Popularity; Unfavourable Criticisms --Mr. Thackeray and "Rochester"--Loose Gossip--The Truth.
Early History of the Brontës 14
Charlotte Brontë's Surroundings: the True Charm of her Story-- Haworth--Mr. Brontë: his Characteristics and Eccentricities--The Brontë Children--Charlotte's Escape to the Golden City--Juvenile Efforts--"The Play of the Islanders."
The Family at Haworth 29
Charlotte and her Friend--Bolton Bridge--A Family Sketch--Shyness of the Sisters--Varying Moods--The Youthful Politician--Branwell Brontë--Emily--Anne.
The Turning-point 57
The Storm and Stress Period--Not what the World supposes it to have been--Visit to Brussels: its Influence upon her Life-- Disillusioned--Return Home--A Fallen Idol--A Pleasant Meeting --Branwell's Disgrace.
Authorship and Bereavement 73
Branwell's Fall--Publication of the Poems--Emily's Poetry-- Novel-writing begun--"The Professor"--"Wuthering Heights"-- "Agnes Grey"--"Jane Eyre"--The Secret of the Authorship-- Growth in Power--Branwell's Death--Decline and Death of Emily--Death of Anne.
The Bitterness of Bereavement--Visit to London--Meets Thackeray --Authors and Critics--"Shirley" published: its Reception by the Critics--Husbands and Wives--An Invitation.
Loneliness and Fame 112
Life at Home--Rumours of Marriage--Edits the Works of her Sisters --An offer of Marriage--Mr. Thackeray's Lectures--The Crystal Palace.
"Villette" begun--Life and Letters whilst writing it--Great Depression of Spirits--Difficulty in writing--"Lucy Snowe"-- "Villette" finished: its Private Reception; the Public Verdict: Waiting for The Times.
Marriage and Death 148
A Secret History--Mr. Nicholls--Offer of Marriage--Mr. Brontë's Opposition--A Cruel Struggle--Mr. Nicholls leaves Haworth--The High Church Party and "Villette"--Miss Martineau--A Trip to Scotland--Brighter Prospects--Engaged to Mr. Nicholls--New Out-look upon Life--The Wedding--Married Life--The Last Christmas--Illness and Death.
Posthumous Honours 183
A Nation's Mourning--Charlotte's Humility--Mrs. Gaskell's "Memoir:" Effect produced by it--Letter from Mr. Kingsley--Pilgrims to Haworth--An American Visitor--Death of Mr. Brontë--Devotion of Mr. Nicholls.
The Brontë Novels 201
The Brontë Novels--"Wuthering Heights:" its Cleverness and Weirdness--Characters of the Story--Emily's Genius--Curious Foreshadowings--Mr. Brontë's Influence on Emily--Anne's Novels --"The Professor."
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