The New Brontë Tablet
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| [CHAPTER I.] | |
| Introductory | 1 |
| Mrs. Gaskell's "Memoir"—Charlotte Brontë's Letters. | |
| [CHAPTER II.] | |
| The Story of "Jane Eyre" | 7 |
| "Jane Eyre:" its Publication and Popularity; Unfavourable Criticisms—Mr. Thackeray and "Rochester"—Loose Gossip—The Truth. | |
| [CHAPTER III.] | |
| Early History of the Brontës | 14 |
| Charlotte Brontë's Surroundings: the True Charm of her Story—Haworth—Mr. Brontë: his Characteristics and Eccentricities—TheBrontë Children—Charlotte's Escape to the Golden City—JuvenileEfforts—"The Play of the Islanders." | |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | |
| The Family at Haworth | 29 |
| Charlotte and her Friend—Bolton Bridge—A Family Sketch—Shynessof the Sisters—Varying Moods—The Youthful Politician—BranwellBrontë—Emily—Anne. | |
| [CHAPTER V.] | |
| Life as a Governess | 45 |
| Governess Life—A Mental Struggle—First offer of Marriage—Sympathywith others—Trials of her own Life. | |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | |
| The Turning-point | 57 |
| The Storm and Stress Period—Not what the World supposes it tohave been—Visit to Brussels: its Influence upon her Life—Disillusioned—Return Home—A Fallen Idol—A Pleasant Meeting—Branwell's Disgrace. | |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | |
| Authorship and Bereavement | 73 |
| Branwell's Fall—Publication of the Poems—Emily's Poetry—Novel-writing begun—"The Professor"—"Wuthering Heights"—"Agnes Grey"—"Jane Eyre"—The Secret of the Authorship—Growth in Power—Branwell's Death—Decline and Death ofEmily—Death of Anne. | |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | |
| "Shirley" | 99 |
| The Bitterness of Bereavement—Visit to London—Meets Thackeray—Authors and Critics—"Shirley" published: its Reception bythe Critics—Husbands and Wives—An Invitation. | |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | |
| Loneliness and Fame | 112 |
| Life at Home—Rumours of Marriage—Edits the Works of her Sisters—An offer of Marriage—Mr. Thackeray's Lectures—The CrystalPalace. | |
| [CHAPTER X.] | |
| "Villette" | 127 |
| "Villette" begun—Life and Letters whilst writing it—GreatDepression of Spirits—Difficulty in writing—"Lucy Snowe"—"Villette" finished: its Private Reception; the Public Verdict:Waiting for The Times. | |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | |
| Marriage and Death | 148 |
| A Secret History—Mr. Nicholls—Offer of Marriage—Mr. Brontë'sOpposition—A Cruel Struggle—Mr. Nicholls leaves Haworth—TheHigh Church Party and "Villette"—Miss Martineau—A Trip toScotland—Brighter Prospects—Engaged to Mr. Nicholls—NewOut-look upon Life—The Wedding—Married Life—The LastChristmas—Illness and Death. | |
| [CHAPTER XII.] | |
| Posthumous Honours | 183 |
| A Nation's Mourning—Charlotte's Humility—Mrs. Gaskell's "Memoir:"Effect produced by it—Letter from Mr. Kingsley—Pilgrims toHaworth—An American Visitor—Death of Mr. Brontë—Devotion ofMr. Nicholls. | |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] | |
| The Brontë Novels | 201 |
| The Brontë Novels—"Wuthering Heights:" its Cleverness andWeirdness—Characters of the Story—Emily's Genius—CuriousForeshadowings—Mr. Brontë's Influence on Emily—Anne's Novels—"The Professor." | |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] | |
| Conclusion | 228 |
| Charlotte's Character—Sufferings and Work. |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
| Rev. Patrick Brontë | [Frontispiece] | |
| PAGE | ||
| The New Brontë Tablet | [x] | |
| Haworth Village | Facing | [18] |
| The House that Charlotte visited | [44] | |
| The Roe Head School | Facing | [46] |
| Haworth Parsonage and Graveyard | " | [82] |
| The "Field Head" of Shirley | " | [101] |
| The "Briarfield" Church of Shirley | " | [106] |
| Fac-Simile Letter of Charlotte Brontë | " | [134] |
| Haworth Church | " | [172] |
| Interior of Haworth Church | " | [191] |
| Organ Loft over the Brontë Tablet and Pew | [200] |
Beside her sisters lay her down to rest,