Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë Biography

Emily Jane Brontë (July 30, 1818 – December 19, 1848) was an English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, now considered a classic of English literature. Born in Thornton, Yorkshire, Emily was the fifth of six children in the Brontë family. After the death of their mother in 1821, the Brontë siblings were raised by their father, Reverend Patrick Brontë, in the isolated village of Haworth on the Yorkshire moors.

The Brontë children developed a rich imaginative life, creating intricate fantasy worlds that they chronicled in homemade books. Emily and her younger sister, Anne, created the fictional island of Gondal, which served as a setting for many of their early writings. In 1846, Emily, along with her sisters Charlotte and Anne, published a collection titled Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, using male pseudonyms to conceal their gender. Although the volume received little attention, it showcased Emily's poetic talent.

In 1847, Emily published Wuthering Heights under the pen name Ellis Bell. The novel, with its complex narrative structure and intense emotional themes, initially received mixed reviews but has since become a cornerstone of English literature, renowned for its exploration of passion, revenge, and the supernatural.

Emily was known for her reclusive nature and deep attachment to her home and the surrounding moorlands. She rarely left Haworth and was uncomfortable in social situations. In the autumn of 1848, Emily fell ill, likely with tuberculosis, and, refusing medical treatment, she passed away on December 19, 1848, at the age of 30. Her legacy endures through her literary contributions, particularly Wuthering Heights, which continues to captivate readers with its haunting portrayal of love and vengeance.

Trivia About Emily Brontë

• Emily published her works under the pen name Ellis Bell to maintain anonymity and avoid the prejudices against female authors of her time.
• She had a close bond with her dog, Keeper, who was known to be fiercely loyal to her.
• Emily was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano at the parsonage.
• Her novel, Wuthering Heights, was adapted into numerous films, television series, and even operas, attesting to its enduring popularity.

Famous Quotes by Emily Brontë

• "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." – Wuthering Heights
• "I cannot live without my soul." – Wuthering Heights
• "No coward soul is mine." – from her poem "No Coward Soul Is Mine"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Emily Brontë?

Emily Brontë was an English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, which is considered a classic of English literature.

What are some of her notable works?

Emily's most notable work is her novel Wuthering Heights. She also wrote numerous poems, some of which were published in the collection Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.

What themes did Emily Brontë explore in her writings?

Emily's writings often explored themes of intense passion, the supernatural, nature, isolation, and the complexities of human emotions.

Related Literary Movements

Emily Brontë is associated with the Romantic literary movement, characterized by an emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism. Her work also contains elements of Gothic fiction, evident in the dark and brooding atmosphere of Wuthering Heights.

Explore more about Emily Brontë on eBookTakeAway.