Brontë Family

This book explores the Brontë siblings growing up with maternaldeprivation and loss, and how this affected their development both aschildren and as adults. It examines how their sibling rivalry led todisharmony and separation, where each of the surviving childrenbecame isolated and separated into their own personalities and beliefs. Research into sibling rivalry is referenced from modern studies andthe structure of the family. The importance of each person's position inthe 'pecking order' is shown to reflect on their behaviour andinteraction within the family and the outside world. There is particularfocus on the eldest and the youngest in the family hierarchy. The author examines the relationships between the four younger Brontësiblings and how Charlotte's role and behaviour changed whenshe suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at theposition and expectations of AnneBrontë, as the youngest sibling andleast expected to excel. There is an examination of her novels, hymnsand poetry and reference to possible autobiography and also to hercrises of faith. Anne's last illness and death are particularly highlighted to tryand explain her final separation, physically and metaphorically, fromher home and family. The irony of her burial in a place known as'Paradise' and her longing to gain a heaven with her family, isespecially discussed as a consequence of her overbearing eldest sister'scharacter, beliefs and behaviour. This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Brontë's works but anexamination of how these four exceptional siblings related to eachother and how their relationships affected all of their lives withunforeseen and unexpected consequences.