Women's Classic Literature Enthusiasts discussion
The Life of Charlotte Bronte
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Week 3 - Chapters 15-21
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Anastasia Kinderman, The Only
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May 01, 2015 06:36PM

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So we've had a chance to get pretty far in the book. I haven't read any of Gaskell's works before this but maybe someone who has can answer: how do you think this book/her writing style compares to her novels?

For example: "There is a certain jargon in use amongst critics on this point [about art] through which it is physically and morally impossible to me to see daylight." (Chapter 19 or Vol. 2 Ch. 5)

Interesting question. I shall need to ponder.
First thoughts are that an awareness of social history seems to emerge strongly in both this biography and some of Mrs Gaskell's novels and that she exhibits a strong narrative skill both here and in her fiction.

In this book, Gaskell weaves the tale expertly using primarily Charlotte's own words. For those who are not engaged with this method (as I was not on my first read) give one of the other novels a try. Wives and Daughters is wonderful. I agree with Lynn--in this and all her books the setting, social and geographical, is very vivid and influences the behaviours of the characters.


http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015...
Ginny wrote: "This looks very exciting. I was just thinking a film using new information would be just the thing.
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015......"
I'm looking forward to it as well. :)
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015......"
I'm looking forward to it as well. :)

Now such an interesting although tragic read. Charlotte is so modest about her work.
I can feel Mrs G is writing about Branwell through gritted teeth! So selfish, so spoilt!
I cried after Emily died & am now where Anne is in decline. I can't imagine how it would feel to lose/be losing your siblings so close together.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015......"
Something to look forward to! I'm sure I saw a very old film (old in the 1970s) about the Brontes that certainly romanticised Branwell! Setting aside his behaviour, the profile painting I have seen of him, shows him as very plain!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devotion...
Found the profile sketch of Branwell on the Bronte Wiki page. You have to scroll down a bit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bront%C3...