The Brontes and Haworth

At the end of last year, I visited the Yorkshire village of Haworth. The Brontës were born in Thornton, but lived in Haworth for most of their writing careers. We went for a walk and submersed ourselves into the minds of the talented sisters in replicating the steps they would have taken in these Pennines. I could easily discern from where their inspiration might have derived in exploring the beautiful and wild scenery. On this walk it occurred to me that it wasn't surprising how many authors and poets have been inspired by their surroundings.

Looking less than stylish in our 'trekking gear'.

It was a lovely day out, the cold air was fresh and a perfect excuse for a good cup of warm hot chocolate on arrival back into the quaint village with lunch.
I found the village surprisingly unspoilt; it felt like I had stepped back in time as I walked through the cobbled streets. We didn't actually have time to visit the Parsonage, which is now a museum dedicated to the Brontës, although I think that we might be planning on returning with this in mind.
I would definitely recommend a trip if you're in the area, it was a wonderful way to spend a wintery day.
In fact, I have decided that there is little that's better than going on a brisk walk, admiring the beautiful countryside, and then returning home to warm up with a hot drink and a big knitted jumper.


What is your favourite thing to do on a Sunday or on a cold wintery day?

A Review: Villette, Charlotte Bronte

This Christmas I read 'Villette' by Charlotte Bronte enjoyed with many a mince pie, and the occasional Sherry, Gin & Tonic, or Baileys whilst snuggled up on the sofa.

Summary: The novel follows the life and psychology of Lucy Snowe, an observant and passive orphan. She has little sense of belonging and we follow her from England, when living with her godmother, to the French town of Villette. Here she teaches at a boarding school where she encounters teachers and pupils who offer interesting characters whose study provides a large basis of the novel itself. Lucy experiences loneliness and isolation, love, heartbreak, adventure, dissatisfaction, and a desire for independence. The novel offers an intimate acquaintance with her psychology and leaves us with an ambiguous ending.

My thoughts:

I read Jane Eyre and loved it; I liked this book too and in several ways it is similar.

The disappointment I felt is also similar: it is predominantly the plot line which proves unsatisfactory, everything is a little too coincidental and a little too unlikely. However, if one can ignore these contrived circumstances our focus shifts onto the language used to express the feelings in these novels. 

In this aspect, I love Charlotte Bronte and her exploration into the depth of her characters. Lucy Snowe is full of contradictions which is what makes her so realistic; she is reserved and self-controlled yet experiences extremes of emotion that lead to her physical degeneration. 

We are made aware of the patriarchal constructs that determine her actions or provide the voice of retribution.

We recognise the conflicts that Lucy faces with regards to gender roles in education, in cultural elements, and between Protestantism and Catholicism.

If you were left wanting more after Jane Eyre I recommend having a read of Villette. It is an interesting study of character, although quite a slow read due to its very minimal plot.