Charlotte Brontë was a 19th century English novelist and poet, best known for her iconic novel “Jane Eyre”. Her life was a blend of hardship, tragedy and literary success. Born on April 21st, 1816 in Thornton, Yorkshire, Charlotte was the third child of Patrick Brontë, an Irish Anglican clergyman, and Maria Branwell, an English woman from a wealthy family.
As a child, Charlotte, along with her four siblings, was homeschooled by her father. Her mother died when she was only five years old, leaving behind five young children for Patrick to raise. This loss affected Charlotte deeply and her father’s strict religious beliefs also had a lasting impact on her life and writing.
In 1824, Charlotte and two of her sisters, Emily and Anne, were sent to the Clergy Daughters’ School in Cowan Bridge, in an effort to receive a formal education. However, the school was known for its harsh conditions and poor management, which had a detrimental effect on Charlotte’s health. She returned home after two of her older sisters died from tuberculosis contracted at the school. This experience would later influence her portrayal of the brutal Lowood School in her novel “Jane Eyre”.
After returning home, Charlotte continued her education through her own studies and by reading extensively. She also started writing, along with her siblings, creating a fantasy world called Angria, which provided an outlet for their creativity. In 1842, Charlotte and Emily traveled to Brussels to study French and German in order to open their own school. However, they had to return home when their aunt, who was taking care of their father, passed away.
In 1846, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne published a collection of their poems under the pen names Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. The following year, Charlotte wrote her first novel “The Professor”, which was rejected by every publisher she sent it to. Undeterred, she continued writing and in 1847, her second novel “Jane Eyre” was published under the pseudonym “Currer Bell”.
The novel was an instant success, and Charlotte’s identity as the author was revealed. “Jane Eyre” challenged traditional Victorian ideals and is considered a feminist masterpiece. It was also praised for its passionate yet realistic portrayal of its female protagonist. However, the novel was also met with criticism for its “unfeminine” and “immoral” themes. Despite this, it solidified Charlotte’s place as one of the most talented writers of her time.
Tragedy continued to follow Charlotte as her siblings Emily and Anne passed away within a year of each other in 1848-49. She was the only remaining child in her family, and she found solace in her writing. Over the next few years, Charlotte published two more novels, “Shirley” and “Villette”. Both were well-received, but none could match the success of “Jane Eyre”.
In 1854, Charlotte married her father’s curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls, and they moved to a new house in Haworth. Sadly, Charlotte’s happiness was short-lived as she passed away from complications of pregnancy in 1855, at the age of 38. Her unfinished novel “Emma” was published posthumously.
Despite her early death, Charlotte’s legacy as a literary genius and feminist icon continues to live on. Her works have been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and plays, and her writing continues to inspire readers all over the world. Her unflinching portrayal of women’s struggles in Victorian society and her strong, independent heroines have made a lasting impact on literature.
Charlotte Brontë’s life may have been filled with hardship and tragedy, but her determination and talent have immortalized her as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. Her untold story is one of resilience, courage, and literary genius, and it is a testament to the power of the written word.