The Bront Family

This book explores the Bront siblings growing up with maternal deprivation and loss, and how this affected their development both as children and as adults. It examines how their sibling rivalry led to disharmony and separation, where each of the surviving children became isolated and separated into their own personalities and beliefs. Research into sibling rivalry is referenced from modern studies and the structure of the family. The importance of each persons position in the pecking order is shown to reflect on their behaviour and interaction within the family and the outside world. There is particular focus on the eldest and the youngest in the family hierarchy. The author examines the relationships between the four younger Bront siblings and how Charlottes role and behaviour changed when she suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at the position and expectations of Anne Bront, as the youngest sibling and least expected to excel. There is an examination of her novels, hymns and poetry and reference to possible autobiography and also to her crises of faith. Annes last illness and death are particularly highlighted to try and explain her final separation, physically and metaphorically, from her home and family. The irony of her burial in a place known as Paradise and her longing to gain a heaven with her family, is especially discussed as a consequence of her overbearing eldest sisters character, beliefs and behaviour. This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Bront's works but an examination of how these four exceptional siblings related to each other and how their relationships affected all of their lives with unforeseen and unexpected consequences.