CHARLOTTE BRONTË

(1816-1855)

THE COUNTRY PARSON'S DAUGHTER

Mrs. Gaskell's "Life of Charlotte Brontë" is one of the great
biographies of literature, but like other works on the same theme, it
is really a history of the Brontë family during the period of
Charlotte's life. The individuals of this family were for many years
as closely associated with one another as they were closely hidden from
the outside world. The personality of each was influenced by its
house-mates to an unusual degree. They studied each other and they
studied every book that came within reach. Themselves they knew well:
the world, through books only. This probably accounts for the weird
and even morbid character of much of their work. Their vivid
imaginations, unchecked by experience, in a commonplace world were
allowed free play, and as a result we find some of the most original
creations in the whole realm of literature.

The life of the Brontë sisterhood should convince the literary aspirant
that the creative imagination is sufficient unto itself and independent
of the stimulus of contact with the busy hum of men. If it be
necessary, the literary genius by divination can portray life without
seeing it. Bricks are produced without straw.


From "Life of Charlotte Brontë," by Mrs. E. C. Gaskell.