Profession: Writer
Biography: Emily Brontë was an English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights (1847), a dark and passionate tale of love and revenge on the Yorkshire moors. The novel, initially met with mixed reviews for its stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, has since become a classic of English literature and is revered for its innovative structure and its examination of the complexities of social class, gender, and morality.
One of the three Brontë sisters, all of whom were writers, Emily penned her works under the male pseudonym Ellis Bell. This was a common practice at the time, given the prevailing biases against female authors. While she wrote fewer works compared to her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, Emily's contributions have left a sure mark on literature.
Living a life that was largely secluded, Emily drew much of her inspiration from the Yorkshire landscapes and her own experiences. Despite her literary success, her life was marked by tragedy, including the early deaths of many of her family members.
Born: July 30, 1818
Birthplace: Thornton, West Yorkshire, England
Star Sign: Leo
Died: December 19, 1848 (aged 30)
Cause of Death: Tuberculosis
Articles and Photos
First Faltering Steps of Jane Eyre
With hope, pride – and some subterfuge – Charlotte Brontë sent her hefty manuscript of Jane Eyre to publishers in London on this day, then crossed her fingers.
August 15, 1847Wuthering Heights Author Dies at 30
Emily Brontë, author of the classic novel Wuthering Heights, died on this day. Like her sisters Anne and Charlotte, she passed away at a tragically young age.
December 19, 1848
Historical Events
- 1846-05-07 First printed copies of "Poems" by Emily, Charlotte and Anne Brontë received, published under pseudonym of Acton, Currer and Ellis Bell (2 copies sold)
- 1847-01-04 Manuscripts of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" and Anne Brontë's "Agnes Grey" sent to publisher T.C. Newby (published December 1847)
- 1939-03-24 "Wuthering Heights" film based on the Emily Brontë novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, premieres in Los Angeles
Biographies and Sources
- Emily Brontë - University of Delaware
- The Making of Emily Brontë - Smithsonian Magazine