Emily Bronte

Emily Bronte: A Genius Ahead of Her Time

Emily Bronte, the author of Wuthering Heights, is widely considered as one of the greatest literary figures of all time. Born on July 30, 1818 in Yorkshire, England, she lived a relatively short life of just 30 years, but left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate readers even today. Emily was the fifth of six children and was raised in a household surrounded by creativity and imagination. Her father, Patrick Bronte, was a clergyman and her mother, Maria Bronte, was a homemaker.

Emily was homeschooled along with her siblings and was heavily influenced by her brother, Branwell, who was a talented artist and poet. Emily's love for literature and poetry started at a young age and she went on to write several poems and short stories in her lifetime. In 1845, she published a book of poems with her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. The book was not well received by the public, but it did not diminish Emily's passion for writing.

Wuthering Heights, Emily's only novel, was published in 1847 and received mixed reviews. Critics were confused by the intense emotions and dark themes portrayed in the book and many found it difficult to comprehend. However, it did not take long for the book to gain a cult following and it is now considered a classic of English literature. The novel is a complex tale of love, obsession, and revenge set against the backdrop of the moors of Yorkshire. Emily's descriptions of the moors are so vivid and evocative that they are almost like a character in the novel itself.

One of the things that makes Wuthering Heights so unique is the voice that Emily gives to the characters. The novel is narrated by several characters and each one has a distinct voice and personality. This allows Emily to explore different perspectives and emotions and it makes the story all the more captivating. The central character, Heathcliff, is particularly memorable and is considered one of the greatest literary villains of all time.

Emily's life was marked by tragedy and she was deeply affected by the loss of her siblings. Her two elder sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died of tuberculosis and her brother Branwell died of alcohol and drug addiction. Emily herself was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1848 and died just one year later, on December 19, 1849. Despite her short life, Emily left behind a powerful legacy and her writing continues to inspire and captivate readers.

In conclusion, Emily Bronte was a genius ahead of her time. Her writing was intense and emotional and her descriptions of the moors are some of the most evocative in English literature. Her only novel, Wuthering Heights, is a masterpiece of English literature and continues to be read and loved by millions of people all over the world. Emily's life was marked by tragedy, but her legacy lives on and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest writers of all time.