Although this novel is about the life of Charlotte Brontë, her diaries reveal much about the lives and talent of all her siblings. From Emily's Wuthering Heights, to Anne's Agnes Grey and Charlotte's Jane Eyre, as well as brother Branwell's poetry, each of the children was immensely gifted. Their talent was already evident at an early age. As they played together, they created stories about a fictional land called Angria. These stories were further developed as they spent many hours in each day writing. Emily's poems, published with Anne's and Charlotte's, under the pseudonym Bell, were based on the fictional characters and plots the children had imagined.
In the early 1800's, being published as an author was difficult for women. Their work was not taken seriously if they revealed their gender. Hence, the sisters came up with pseudonyms for their novels. For example, Jane Eyre was originally published under the pseudonym Currer Bell. The fate of women during the early 19th century, was limited. Some married and had children, others were employed as governnesses and some remained spinsters and took care of their family. Education for women was considered a waste. This attitude is evident in the conversations and attitudes of Mr. Brontë, his curate Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Grant. Thankfully, society has come a long way since then. Women can enjoy any career they choose and have written some of the best literature in the world.
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