Description
Book SynopsisThe extraordinary works of the three sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontà have entranced and challenged scholars, students, and general readers for the past 150 years. This Companion offers a fascinating introduction to those works, including two of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century - Charlotte's Jane Eyre and Emily's Wuthering Heights. In a series of original essays, contributors explore the roots of the sisters' achievement in early nineteenth-century Haworth, and the childhood 'plays' they developed; they set these writings within the context of a wider history, and show how each sister engages with some of the central issues of her time. The essays also consider the meaning and significance of the BrontÃs' enduring popular appeal. A detailed chronology and guides to further reading provide further reference material, making this a volume indispensable for scholars and students, and all those interested in the BrontÃs and their work.
Trade Review'The essays stimulate and provoke, they are well-structured, well-argued and insightful. The reader will re-read the novels and poems with new knowledge and enjoyment.' Reference Reviews
'The collection provides us with discoveries, new angles, and unexpected perceptions.' Brontë Studies
' … the essays stimulate and provoke, they are well-structured, well-argued and insightful. The authors are deeply versed in their subjects and are good at exploring ideas and making the reader aware of underlying themes.' Reference Reviews
Table of ContentsChronology; Introduction Heather Glen; 1. The Haworth context Juliet Barker; 2. The Brontës' childhood writings Carol Bock; 3. The poetry of the Brontës Angela Leighton; 4. The Professor, Agnes Grey, and Wuthering Heights Stevie Davies; 5. Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Jill Matus; 6. Shirley and Villette Heather Glen; 7. Ideology, personality, and the Brontë characters Rick Rylance; 8. Women writing and publishing Kate Flint; 9. The Brontës and religion John Maynard; 10. The Brontë myth Patsy Stoneman; Guide to further reading.
