The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are renowned for their contributions to English literature in the 19th century. Each sister brought their unique writing style, but it was Emily who left a lasting impact on the literary world with her only novel, Wuthering Heights. However, the enigmatic Emily Brontë remains a mystery to many despite her literary success. In this article, we will delve into Emily’s biography and uncover the fascinating life of the infamous Brontë sister.
Emily Jane Brontë was born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England. She was the fifth of six children, and the third daughter of Patrick Brontë, a clergyman, and Maria Branwell Brontë. Emily was raised in the parsonage with her siblings, and their childhood was filled with books, poetry, and storytelling. In their isolated village, the Brontë children created their own world, constantly inventing plays and writing stories.
At the age of six, Emily and her sisters were sent to the Clergy Daughters’ School in Cowan Bridge, where they endured harsh conditions and strict discipline. However, after the death of their two elder sisters due to poor living conditions at the school, the Brontë siblings were brought back home. For Emily, this traumatic experience remained etched in her memory and influenced her writing.
After their education, the Brontë sisters returned home and continued to pursue their passions for writing. In 1846, the sisters published a collection of poems under the pen names of Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Emily’s contributions to the collection were poems that would later be reworked and incorporated into Wuthering Heights.
Wuthering Heights, published in 1847, is Emily’s only novel and is considered a masterpiece of English literature. The story follows the tumultuous love affair between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, two characters who are deeply flawed and driven by their unconventional desires. Emily’s novel was met with mixed reviews, with some praising its originality and powerful writing, while others criticized its dark and disturbing themes. However, over time, Wuthering Heights gained recognition and is now considered a classic piece of literature.
Despite the success of her novel, Emily was a recluse and avoided attention and publicity. She rarely left home and was content with her solitary life, spending most of her time writing and taking care of her father and brother, Branwell, who was struggling with addiction. Emily’s introverted nature may have been a result of her wanderlust, longing for the moors and the vast, wild landscape that inspired her writing.
Sadly, Emily’s literary career was short-lived, as she passed away at the young age of 30 on December 19, 1848, just a year after the publication of Wuthering Heights. The cause of her death remains a mystery, but it is believed that she died of tuberculosis, the same illness that claimed the lives of her two elder sisters.
Despite her short life, Emily Brontë’s impact on literature is undeniable. Her writing style, characterized by its intense emotional depth, gothic themes, and love for nature, has influenced countless writers and continues to captivate readers to this day. Wuthering Heights remains a significant work of literature, and Emily’s legacy lives on through her powerful words.
In conclusion, the infamous Brontë sisters left an indelible mark on the literary world, and Emily’s contributions continue to intrigue and inspire readers worldwide. From her childhood in the parsonage to her solitary and reclusive life, Emily’s biography sheds light on the complex and enigmatic woman behind one of the most celebrated novels in English literature.