Emily Jane Bronte (30 July 1818 – 19 December 1848) was an English novelist and poet who is best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, now considered a classic of English literature.
Despite not having an array of publications under her name, she holds a significant value in the English literature. If you are a fan of work and want to know more about her, you have landed the right place!
In this article, we will talk about Emily Bronte, her life, and her work. Before going into details, here is a comprehensive introduction of this fantastic writer!
Emily Bronte Biography: Introduction
| Full Name | Emily Jane Brontë |
| Common Name | Emily Bronte |
| Pen Name | Ellis Bell |
| Birthdate | July 30, 1818 |
| Birthplace | Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Mother’s Name | Maria Branwell Brontë |
| Father’s Name | Patrick Brontë |
| Siblings | Charlotte Brontë, Anne Brontë, Branwell Brontë |
| School | Roe Head School |
| Famous for | Writing the novel Wuthering Heights |
| Debut year | 1847 |
| Net worth | Unknown (died at the age of 30) |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) (estimated) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Eye color | Hazel |
| Occupation | Novelist, poet |
| Spouse(s) | None |
| Children | None |
| Death | December 19, 1848 ( At 30 years old) |
Emily Bronte Biography: Childhood
Emily Bronte was born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England. She was the fifth of six children born to Patrick Bronte, the local curate, and Maria Branwell Bronte. Emily’s mother died when she was three years old, and she and her sisters were raised by their father and their aunt, Elizabeth Branwell.
Emily was a curious and imaginative child. She loved to play outdoors and explore the Yorkshire countryside. She also loved to read and write stories with her sisters. When Emily was six years old, she and her sisters created an imaginary world called Gondal, which they wrote about extensively in their journals and stories.
Emily Bronte Biography: Education
In 1824, Emily and her two older sisters, Charlotte and Anne, were sent to Cowan Bridge School, a boarding school for the daughters of clergymen. Emily hated the school. She found the conditions harsh and the other students cruel. She also contracted tuberculosis, which she recovered from but which would later contribute to her death.
In 1825, Emily and her sisters returned home. After that, they were educated at home by their father. Emily learned French, German, and music, and she continued to write stories and poems.
In 1838, Emily Bronte became a teacher at Law Hill School in Halifax, Yorkshire. However, she found the work difficult and stressful, and she returned home after only six months. After that, she remained at home, helping her father with his household chores and teaching herself German and music.
In 1842, she and Charlotte traveled to Brussels, Belgium, to attend a school run by Constantin Héger. Emily hoped to learn French and German so that she could teach one day.
However, Emily became infatuated with Héger, and she was forced to return home early when her father discovered her feelings. After that, Emily devoted herself to writing.
Emily Bronte Biography: Career
In 1846, Emily Bronte and her sisters published a collection of poetry under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. The collection was not a commercial success, but it did attract some attention.
In 1847, Emily Bronte published her only novel, Wuthering Heights, under the pen name Ellis Bell. Wuthering Heights is a dark and passionate story of love, revenge, and the supernatural. Wuthering Heights was also not a commercial success at first, but it has since become one of the most celebrated novels in English literature.
Emily Bronte Biography: Personal Life
Emily was a shy and reserved person. She was also very private about her personal life. She never married or had children. In 1848, Emily’s brother Branwell died of tuberculosis. A few months later, Emily fell ill with the same disease. She died on December 19, 1848, at the age of 30.She is buried in Haworth Parish Churchyard, Yorkshire.
Emily Bronte Biography: Legacy
Emily Bronte is remembered as one of the greatest novelists and poets of the Victorian era. Her work is full of passion, intensity, and darkness. It continues to resonate with readers today.
Emily Bronte Biography: Interesting Facts
- Emily was a talented musician. She played the piano and the accordion.
- Emily was also a gifted artist. She drew and painted sketches of her family and friends, as well as of imaginary scenes from her novel, Wuthering Heights.
- Emily was very close to her sisters, Charlotte and Anne. They shared a deep love for literature and a passion for writing.
- Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights, has been adapted into numerous films and television shows. It is still considered one of the greatest love stories of all time.
