Jane Eyre And the Life of the Bronte Sisters

The Bronte Sisters’ Literary Career Charlotte came by accident upon a number of poems that Emily had written –The 3 sisters published their poems, at their own expense, as poems, by Crurrer, Ellis and Acton Bell. (Only 2 copies of the poems were sold.) Anne’s novel Agnes Grey & Emily’s Wuthering Heights were both accepted for publication, while Charlotte’s first novel The Professor was rejected by one publisher after another. … Jane Eyre, was published in October. It was immediately very popular, outselling Wuthering Heights ….

The Bronte Sisters Maria’s and Elizabether’s deaths in the Clergy Daughters School [publication of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre in 1847] Sept Barnwell died. (  John Reed) Dec Emily died. May 1849 – Ann, too, died. Charlotte, as a novelist of several books, became acquainted with Mrs. Gaskell & William Thackeray Charlotte died in childbirth. The Bronte Sisters – Literary Aspiration in their lonely and drab lives. 4:32—the painting, and Emily and Ann out in nature (rose vs. holy bush) 14:00—letter from Southey 1:10 – Emily’s poems  1:16 publication of their novels 1:38 –illness and death of Emily 1:50 – Charlotte at the concert hall

Major Questions re. Jane Eyre Jane Eyre’s Quest: what does she desire? How does she quest for what she desires? Is she in any way compromised? Passion and Conscience: How does she deal with her passion? Religion and Charity: Do they support or obstruct Jane’s quest? Society and Class Differences: how are social identities (e.g. The Reeds, Bessie, Helen Burns, etc.) and social problems (Lowood) presented? Jane Eyre the narrator: how does she position herself between Jane the character and the reader? Is the novel feminist*?

Note: A True Lady is… Jane: [women should not be confined] 'to making pudding and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags‘ (XII) a true lady is... sweet and delicate and refined... her sphere is to cheer, to refine, to beautify, to bless. The opportunities and influence she may acquire (by behaving thus), she may turn to the noblest and holiest purposes Hints on Etiquette (1843) Charles William Day

Next Week Chaps I – X (Jane’s life in Gateshead and Lowood)