Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Emily Bronte

Learn some interesting facts about

Emily Brontë.

This week’s famous poet is Emily Brontë. Last week’s famous poet was Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Emily Brontë, an esteemed figure in the literary world, is best known for her profound contributions as a novelist and poet. She authored a singular masterpiece, the iconic novel *Wuthering Heights*, which has captivated readers with its intense emotional depth and complex characters since its publication in 1847. In addition to her novel, Brontë wrote a collection of poignant and evocative poems that reflect her inner thoughts and the tumultuous emotions of her life.

Born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, Emily was the daughter of Patrick Brontë, an Irish clergyman, and Maria Branwell, a local woman of strong character. She grew up in a literary family, sharing her childhood with five siblings: Charlotte, Anne, Branwell, and their surviving sisters, who profoundly influenced her life and work. The Brontë siblings often engaged in imaginative play, creating their own worlds and characters, which would later inform their writing.

Emily's life was marked by both hardships and joys, including the early loss of her mother and two of her siblings, which fostered a deep sense of isolation and introspection within her. This sense of melancholy and yearning is vividly evident in her writing. Despite her reclusive nature and the limited scope of her publications, Brontë's work explores themes of love, vengeance, and the struggle for identity. Her experiences and observations of the moors surrounding her home in Haworth had a profound influence on the atmospheric landscapes and emotional undertones found in her literary creations.

Here is a list of some poems by Emily Brontë:

Long neglect has worn away
At Castle Wood
Encouragement
Hope
Love and Friendship
Spellbound
The Prisoner
Come Hither, Child
Fall, Leaves, Fall
No Coward Soul Is Mine

Parents and caretakers, please ensure that the poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Interesting facts about Emily Brontë:

1. She was born on July 30, 1818, in the picturesque county of Yorkshire, England, a region renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and rich cultural history.

2. Emily Brontë, the esteemed English novelist and poet, passed away at the young age of 30 on December 19, 1848, in the picturesque landscape of Yorkshire, England. Known for her profound contributions to literature, particularly her iconic novel "Wuthering Heights," Brontë's untimely death marked the end of a promising literary career that was just beginning to gain recognition.

Her final resting place is situated at St. Michael and All Angels' Church in West Yorkshire, a site that holds deep significance not only for her family but also for literary enthusiasts worldwide. The simplicity and tranquility of the churchyard reflect her own unassuming nature, serving as a poignant reminder of her remarkable life and the tumultuous emotions she captured in her writings.

In the years since her passing, St. Michael and All Angels' Church has become a pilgrimage destination for many admirers of Brontë's work. Visitors are drawn to this serene location to pay tribute to the brilliant poet and novelist, whose influence continues to resonate within the literary world. It is a place where fans can connect with her legacy, reflecting on the themes of passion, isolation, and the human condition that Brontë so compellingly explored in her art. Each year, numerous literary scholars and enthusiastic readers make the journey to this sacred spot, honoring the life of a woman whose contributions have left an indelible mark on literature.

3. The following is one of Emily Brontë’s poems:

The Old Stoic

Riches I hold in light esteem,

And love I laugh to scorn;

And lust of fame was but a dream,

That vanish'd with the morn:

And if I pray, the only prayer

That moves my lips for me

Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear,

And give me liberty!"

Yes, as my swift days near their goal,

'Tis all that I implore:

In life and death, a chainless soul,

With courage to endure.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. Emily Brontë, though primarily celebrated for her novel "Wuthering Heights," also penned a number of essays, though only about nine of these have withstood the test of time. These writings offer a glimpse into her thoughts and intellectual pursuits, reflecting her keen observations of the world around her. In addition to her essays, Emily was an imaginative storyteller from a young age. Together with her siblings, she crafted intricate narratives set in a fictional world they called Angria. This shared imaginative space allowed them to explore complex themes and characters, laying the groundwork for Emily's later literary endeavors. The stories of Angria were filled with adventure and drama, showcasing not only the Brontë siblings' creativity but also their strong bond.

5. Emily Brontë, a poet with a unique pen name, Ellis Bell, wrote two notable books:

Wuthering Heights, A Novel (Ellis Bell)
Poems (written by the three Bronte sisters)

6. Emily Brontë was part of a talented and close-knit family. Here is a list of her siblings, all of whom made significant contributions to literature:

Maria Brontë (April 23, 1814 - May 6, 1825)
Elizabeth Brontë (February 8, 1815 - June 15, 1825)
Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816 - March 31, 1855)
Branwell Brontë (June 26, 1817 - September 24, 1848)
Anne Brontë (January 17, 1820 - May 28, 1849

7. Emily Brontë's early life was marked by the loss of her mother when she was just three years old. She and her siblings were then raised by their father and their mother’s sister, Elizabeth Branwell. This close-knit family dynamic, despite the hardships they faced, played a significant role in shaping Emily's character and her writing.

8. At age six (1824), Emily Brontë attended the Clergy Daughters' School. She did not attend the school for an extended period of time. Her two oldest sisters got sick from the poor conditions of the school and passed away. Emily and her remaining siblings were homeschooled after that. When Emily was seventeen, she went to Roe Head Girls' School. Her sister Charlotte was a teacher there. Emily did not stay long, though. She got homesick and went back home.

9. Emily Brontë's love extended beyond her writing. She had a loyal companion, a dog named Keeper, whom she adored. On April 24, 1838, she painted a watercolor of Keeper. The keeper's love for Emily was evident as he mourned her at her funeral.