Bronte sisters brother

/ The sky, though blue, was soon to change to grey…’ And then, the poet Branwell Brontë might have added, to black. This name means "descendant of Pronntach," and it belonged to a family of writers and scribes in Ireland.

At some point, the sisters' father, Patrick Brontë (who was born Patrick Brunty), changed the spelling of his name to Brontë.

This pattern of self-medication is a common but destructive response to trauma, one that modern psychologists would caution against due to its ineffectiveness in addressing underlying issues.

Comparatively, Branwell’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of untreated addiction. In mid-19th century England, alcohol consumption was widespread, but Branwell's intake appears to have far exceeded social norms.

His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rigid societal norms and the importance of recognizing the emotional toll they exact. She also attended Cowan Bridge School and became ill. Emily remained critical of Monsieur Héger, even though he thought highly of her, saying she "had the spirit of a man."

Charlotte Returns Home

After about a year, Charlotte, who had developed feelings for Monsieur Héger, resigned and returned to Haworth.

This divergence in lifestyle choices highlights the impact of personal decisions on one's legacy, offering a poignant study in contrasts.

Consider the daily routines of the Brontë sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne adhered to strict schedules of writing, household chores, and intellectual pursuits. However, the sisters continued to write their novels in secret, often discussing their stories at the dinner table.

Rising Fame

1847

Charlotte's Jane Eyre, Emily's Wuthering Heights, and Anne's Agnes Grey were all published in 1847 after a long search for publishers.

She designed embroidery patterns that her children stitched, which are now in the museum. His drinking habits were not merely a personal vice but a defining aspect of his life, with profound consequences for his health and legacy. She wrote long stories during her holidays.

Literary Beginnings

The Brontë children became interested in writing at a young age, starting it as a game.

‘But as I looked, descended summer’s sun, and did not its descent my hopes deride? It is very likely, but not absolutely certain, that they became lovers.

Read More: Living North Chats with Brontë Expert Nick Holland

Either way, Lydia, like Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, was careless with her love and ultimately indifferent to Branwell’s infatuation.

They considered Paris and Lille but chose Brussels, Belgium, where they could also study German and music. There isn't a clear "Brontë style" that was directly followed by other writers.

Their influence certainly existed, but it's hard to fully define. For those grappling with addiction or seeking to improve their lives, the sisters’ example suggests that structure, creativity, and focus can counteract self-destructive tendencies.

He died in 1861 at the age of 84.

His sisters’ letters often mention his deteriorating condition, describing him as "wasted" and "beyond recognition," a stark contrast to his once robust frame.

Branwell’s alcoholism also exacerbated his mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle of despair and dependency. They ate plenty of porridge in the mornings, and Tabby, their maid, would peel piles of potatoes while telling local stories.

This literary critique of addiction underscores the sisters’ awareness of its destructive power and their choice to avoid it.

Practically speaking, the Brontë sisters’ lifestyle offers lessons in self-control and purpose. It's possible she left an unfinished manuscript that Charlotte later burned to avoid controversy, but there's no proof of this.

Emily Brontë's Poems

Emily's poems were likely written to be part of her Gondal saga, an imaginary world she continued to identify with even as an adult.

The idea was that the books were small enough for the toy soldiers to read.

Their stories became more complex as they grew up, influenced by the magazines and newspapers their father subscribed to.

Influences on Their Writing

Their fictional worlds were born from their vivid imaginations, fueled by reading and discussions.

Newspapers and Magazines

The magazines and newspapers Patrick Brontë read were a treasure trove of information for his children.

John Martin, along with Byron, was a key artistic influence on the Brontës' imaginary worlds.

Anne's Moral Stories

Anne's novels, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, were strongly influenced by her experiences as a governess and her brother's struggles.