Charlotte Bronte: 1816-1855: Pseudonym - Currer Bell
Charlotte Bronte was born on April 21, 1816 in Yorkshire. As the eldest of the three famous Bronte sisters, she was a leader to Anne and Emily, almost as much as she was to the feminist movement. Being described as 'shy, but outspoken', Charlotte quickly dismissed the frivolities of the average Victorian woman. Although minimally educated, Charlotte taught at Roe Head School, but had to resign due to health problems. After resigning, Charlotte began to write works that would have an intense impact on the world today. Her writing abilities went unnoticed with having written a book of poetry with her sister, and only selling two copies. She became famous after publishing Jane Eyre. At the end of the 1840's, Charlotte died from complications in pregnancy. Thus Charlotte was robbed of that last element of feminism--love--despite being able to achieve a wild and rebellious life.
Life
LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
Rapidly, merrily,
Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily
Enjoy them as they fly!
What though Death at times steps in,
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O'er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet Hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
Emily Bronte: 1818-1848: Pseudonym - Ellis Bell
Said to be the greatest writer of the three sisters, Emily Bronte only published one novel in her lifetime, Wuthering Heights. Emily was born in Yorkshire in northern England. In 1835, Emily attended Roe Head School, but returned shortly due to homesickness. Unlike Charlotte, Emily had no close friends. She was more interested in the principles of mysticism. Wuthering Heights did not have the success of Charlotte's Jane Eyre, but was a late bloomer and later named "one of the most intense novels ever written in the English language". Emily Bronte died of Tuberculosis in late 1848.
Yes, holy be thy resting place...
Yes, holy be thy resting place
Wherever thou may'st lie;
The sweetest winds breathe on thy face,
The softest of the sky.
And will not guardian Angels send
Kind dreams and thoughts of love,
Though I no more may watchful bend
Thy longed repose above?
And will not heaven itself bestow
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