Charlotte Brontë (1816-1855) was an English novelist and poet, renowned for her contribution to English literature during the nineteenth century. Born in Thornton, Yorkshire, Charlotte was the third of six children to Patrick Brontë, a clergyman, and his wife, Maria Branwell Brontë. After the death of their mother and two eldest siblings, Charlotte and her remaining sisters, Emily and Anne, turned to writing as a solace and a means of expression.
Charlotte's most famous work, 'Jane Eyre' (1847), stands as a classic in literature, epitomizing the struggle against the constraints of social class and gender. It was originally published under the pseudonym Currer Bell, as the direct and passionate style was deemed unconventional for a female writer at the time. Other notable works include 'Shirley' (1849), a social commentary incorporating the industrial unrest of the period, and 'Villette' (1853), a reflection of her experiences in Brussels, exploring themes of isolation and the complexities of human psychology. Charlotte's literary style is marked by realism, emotional intensity, and a strong sense of morality, often highlighting the position of women and the individual's struggle for independence. Her works, which are included in 'The Complete Novels of Jane Austen & Brontë Sisters', have inspired countless adaptations, cementing her legacy as a pillar of Victorian literature (Gaskell, 1857; Gordon, 2015).
