Biography – Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte entered the world on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Bradford, Yorkshire, as the fifth of six children. Tragedy struck the family in 1821 when her mother succumbed to cancer. In 1824, Emily joined her sisters, Maria, Elizabeth, and Charlotte, at the recently established Clergy Daughters’ School in Cowan Bridge. Their time there was marred by a harsh regimen, frigid conditions, and meager sustenance. In June 1825, Emily and her sisters were liberally removed from the school.
Emily and her sister Anne embarked on a creative journey, weaving poetry and stories for their imaginative realm of Gondal. Though few of their creations have survived, they collaborated on poems and the Gondal sagas well into the 1840s.
In July 1835, Emily briefly attended Miss Wooler’s school at Roe Head Mirfield for three months before returning to Haworth in October.
In February 1842, both Charlotte and Emily left Haworth to study at the Pensionnat Heger in Brussels. During their time there, they immersed themselves in the study of French, German, and music. In November 1842, Emily returned to Haworth with Charlotte.
In September 1845, Charlotte unintentionally stumbled upon Emily’s private poems, an intrusion that angered Emily. However, Charlotte persuaded her to collaborate on a book of poems. It is believed that Emily began writing “Wuthering Heights” around this time.
In May 1846, under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, a book of poems was published, featuring 21 contributions by Emily.
In July 1847, the publishers Thomas Cautley Newby accepted “Wuthering Heights,” which was subsequently published in December.
By November 1848, Emily’s health had deteriorated significantly. Charlotte Bronte wrote of her sister’s struggles with breathing difficulties and chest pains. On December 19, 1848, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Emily Bronte passed away at the age of 30. On December 22, she was laid to rest in the family vault at Haworth church.
In December 1850, a new edition of “Wuthering Heights” was printed, featuring selected poems and a preface penned by Charlotte Bronte.