31 March: Tribute to Charlotte Brontë

OV Digital Desk
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Charlotte Brontë

Image Courtesy: Google Doodle

Charlotte Brontë (21 April 1816 – 31 March 1855) was an English novelist and poet, best known for her novel “Jane Eyre,” which is considered a classic of English literature.

Life and Career

She was born on 21 April 1816, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, into a family of six siblings. Her father was a clergyman, and she grew up in a parsonage, a setting that would later influence her writing.

Charlotte had a challenging early life, marked by the early deaths of her mother and two older sisters. She and her surviving siblings, Emily and Anne, were educated at home by their father and later attended a boarding school, where they experienced harsh conditions that would leave a lasting impact on Charlotte’s writing.

Charlotte Brontë’s literary career began with the publication of her poems along with those of her sisters Emily and Anne in 1846 under pen names. However, it was her novel “Jane Eyre,” published in 1847 under the pen name “Currer Bell,” that brought her widespread acclaim and success. “Jane Eyre” was a groundbreaking novel that challenged social norms and conventions of the time, featuring a strong-willed and independent female protagonist.

Charlotte went on to publish other novels, including “Shirley” (1849) and “Villette” (1853), which also received critical acclaim. Her works were known for their vivid characters, intense emotions, and exploration of themes such as feminism, social class, and religion.

Tragically, Charlotte Brontë’s life was cut short at the age of 38. She died on 31 March 1855, in Haworth, Yorkshire, England, due to complications from pregnancy. Her death was a great loss to the literary world, as she had established herself as a prominent and influential writer during her relatively short career.

Award and Legacy

Despite her untimely death, Charlotte Brontë’s legacy as a gifted writer and trailblazing author continues to be celebrated. Her works have been widely studied, analyzed, and adapted in various forms, including numerous stage and film adaptations. Her unique writing style, with its emotional intensity and exploration of complex human emotions, continues to captivate readers to this day.

Charlotte Brontë’s contributions to English literature, particularly in the realms of feminist literature and the Victorian novel, have earned her a lasting place in literary history. Her work has inspired countless writers and readers, and her influence on literature, particularly in the portrayal of strong female characters and exploration of social issues, continues to be recognized and celebrated in modern times.

On 21 April 2014, Google celebrated Charlotte Brontë’s 198th Birthday with a doodle.

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