The Brontë Sisters: A Legacy of Literary Brilliance

Imagine sitting in a room with your siblings, creating a make-believe world where you can become anyone you want to be. Now imagine writing these thoughts down and having them evolve into some of the greatest novels ever written. That is the story of the Brontë Sisters.

The Brontë Sisters not only revolutionized the 19th-century literary scene but also laid the groundwork for a proto-feminist movement through their works. Widely regarded as some of the greatest authors in history, the three sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—together published seven novels and one collaborative book of
poetry. To reach a broader audience and ensure their voices were heard, they wrote under the male pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, respectively. What began with tiny handmade books just two inches tall eventually
transformed into timeless works of classic literature.

Charlotte Brontë: The Visionary Leader

At just eighteen, Charlotte sent one of her poems to the renowned Poet Laureate Robert Southey, seeking his feedback. This was the 19th-century equivalent of sending a recorded song to a Grammy winner. While Southey praised her poetic ability, he condescendingly remarked, “Literature cannot be the business of a woman’s life: it ought not to be.” Thankfully, Charlotte didn’t heed his words, or the world would have been deprived of several literary masterpieces.

Her debut novel, Jane Eyre (1847), stands out for its portrayal of a woman who defies societal norms. In her subsequent works, Shirley (1849) and Villette (1853), Charlotte expanded on feminist themes while exploring broader socio-political phenomena in 19th-century industrial Britain. Her final published novel, The
Professor (1857), was ironically her first written work. Told from a male perspective, it delves into themes of love and self-discovery.

Despite her remarkable literary achievements, Charlotte was extremely shy and socially awkward. She often avoided gatherings and struggled to speak in front of strangers. However, she overcame these challenges by pouring her thoughts onto paper, leaving us with four unforgettable classics.

Emily Brontë: The Enigmatic Dreamer

Emily Brontë was perhaps the most gifted of the three sisters, but her reserved nature have left us with few personal records or letters. Her sole novel, Wuthering Heights (1847), is a masterpiece of Gothic literature. With tragic romance at its core, the novel tells the story of the destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose obsessive bond wreaks havoc across generations, entangling two families—the Earnshaws and the Lintons—in cycles of revenge, suffering, and redemption.

Emily’s deep connection to nature, cultivated during long solitary walks on the moors surrounding her home, inspired the wild, atmospheric setting of her novel. In addition to her writing, she was a talented artist and once painted a selfportrait, though she avoided drawing attention to her artistic talents. Her untamed imagination and profound emotional insight continue to resonate with readers around the world.

Anne Brontë: The Overlooked Trailblazer

Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) is often regarded as one of the earliest feminist novels, addressing issues like domestic violence and alcohol abuse with unflinching honesty. Written from a male narrator’s perspective, the novel tells the story of a widow who defies societal norms, supporting herself and
her son through her art.

Her debut novel, Agnes Grey (1847), draws heavily from her experiences as a governess, offering a realistic depiction of the struggles faced by women in such roles during the 19th century. While Charlotte and Emily leaned toward Gothic and Romantic styles, Anne embraced social realism, bringing a unique perspective to her writing. A devoted animal lover, Anne found solace in her dog, Flossy, who remained by her side while she wove words of greatness.

After Anne’s death, Charlotte Brontë made the puzzling decision to block The Tenant of Wildfell Hall from being republished. Some speculate it was out of jealousy, others believe she disapproved of the novel’s boldness, while some suggest it was a protective act to shield Anne’s memory from critics. Despite its early success, Charlotte’s choice pushed the novel—and Anne’s literary legacy— into obscurity for decades, only to be rediscovered and celebrated in more recent times.

Bound by blood and brilliance, the Brontë Sisters defied the limitations of their era. Their works continue to inspire readers, delving into the depths of human emotion and the complexities of life. By carving out a space for women in a world where their voices were often silenced, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë remain feminists in their own right.

-Anukriti Jain is pursuing a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Delhi, India.