Today is the birthday of Charlotte Brontë. The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are renowned for their contributions to English literature, with novels such as “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” that have become classics. Their works are celebrated for their originality, emotional depth, and exploration of complex themes such as social class, gender inequality, and personal freedom.

The Brontë Sisters: A Brief Overview

• Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855) is best known for her novel Jane Eyre. Her writing often explored themes of social class, gender, and morality. She drew inspiration from her own experiences as a governess and her vivid imagination.

• Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë (1818–1848) is celebrated for her only novel, Wuthering Heights. Her work delves into passion, revenge, and the wild Yorkshire moors. Emily’s reclusive nature and love for nature deeply influenced her writing.

• Anne Brontë

Anne Brontë (1820–1849) authored novels such as Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Her works often challenged societal norms and explored the struggles of women in Victorian England.

The Brontë Sisters and Greek mythology

The influence of Greek literature, mythology, and poetry on the Brontës’ work is a subject of scholarly interest, as these elements provided a rich source of inspiration and thematic depth to their storytelling. The Brontës were well-read and had access to a variety of literary sources, including the classics, through their father’s extensive library. They were educated at home by their father, Patrick Brontë, who encouraged their intellectual pursuits.

Greek mythology, with its pantheon of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, and epic tales of love, betrayal, and adventure, offered a wealth of material for the Brontës to draw upon. The themes of fate, destiny, and the human condition found in Greek mythology resonate throughout the Brontës’ novels. For example, the character of Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights” can be seen as a Byronic hero, a type influenced by the tragic heroes of Greek mythology, who is driven by intense emotions and a sense of destiny.

Greek poetry, particularly the works of Homer and the lyrical poetry of Sappho, also influenced the Brontës. The epic narratives of “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” provided a framework for storytelling that included a journey, either physical or emotional, which is a common thread in the Brontës’ novels. The lyrical quality of Greek poetry is reflected in the poetic prose of the Brontës, which is rich in imagery and emotion.

Greek Influences on the Brontës Highlights

Mythology and Symbolism

The Brontës were avid readers, and their exposure to Greek mythology left an indelible mark on their literary endeavors. Here’s how:

• Prometheus: The myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to benefit humanity, resonated with the Brontës. Emily’s Wuthering Heights features fiery, rebellious characters like Heathcliff, echoing Prometheus’s defiance.
• Nemesis: The concept of divine retribution and fate fascinated the Brontës. In Jane Eyre, Charlotte explores themes of justice and redemption, akin to the workings of Nemesis.
• Orpheus and Eurydice: The tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice influenced the Brontës’ portrayal of doomed romances. Emily’s portrayal of Cathy and Heathcliff’s intense bond in Wuthering Heights draws parallels to this myth.

Poetic Influences

• Sappho: Emily Brontë’s poetry exhibits a raw intensity reminiscent of Sappho’s lyricism. Both poets explore love, longing, and the human psyche. Emily’s poems, like “No coward soul is mine,” echo Sappho’s emotional depth.
• Homer: The epic poems of Homer, especially the Odyssey, influenced the Brontës’ portrayal of journeys, quests, and wanderings. The moors in Wuthering Heights evoke the vastness and mystery of Homer’s landscapes.

The Brontës’ use of Greek literature and mythology can also be seen in their juvenilia, the early writings they produced in their youth. These writings often included fantastical lands and were filled with characters that embodied the traits of Greek gods and heroes. The Brontës created complex imaginary worlds, such as Angria and Gondal, which were influenced by the mythological worlds they encountered in their readings.

The influence of Greek literature is not just limited to thematic elements; it also extends to the structure and style of the Brontës’ writing. The use of prophecy, omens, and dreams in their novels can be traced back to the Greek tradition, where such devices were commonly used to foreshadow events and reveal the will of the gods.

In conclusion, the Brontë sisters’ works are a tapestry woven with threads of Greek literature, mythology, and poetry. These influences enriched their storytelling, provided a foundation for their exploration of universal themes, and contributed to the enduring legacy of their literary works. The Brontës’ ability to blend these classical elements with their own unique perspectives and experiences created novels that continue to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers.