Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is a powerful poem that delves into the depths of love, loss, and grief. Written during the Victorian era, it is a masterpiece that has been studied and analyzed by literary scholars for decades. In this article, we will unpack the poem and analyze its themes, literary devices, and its relevance in modern times. Through this analysis, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of Bronte’s work and the emotions that it evokes.
The Life of Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte was born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, a small village in West Yorkshire, England. She was the fifth of six children born to Patrick Bronte, an Irish Anglican clergyman, and his wife Maria Branwell. Emily’s mother died when she was only three years old, and her older sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died of tuberculosis when Emily was just a child. These early losses had a profound impact on Emily and her siblings, and their experiences of grief and loss would later inform much of their writing. Emily and her siblings were educated at home by their father, who encouraged their love of literature and storytelling. Emily was a voracious reader from a young age, and she and her siblings would often create their own imaginary worlds and characters. As a young woman, Emily worked briefly as a governess, but she found the work unfulfilling and returned home to focus on her writing. She and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, published a collection of poetry under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, but it was Emily’s novel Wuthering Heights that would become her most enduring work. Despite its initial mixed reception, Wuthering Heights is now considered a classic of English literature and a masterpiece of Gothic fiction. Emily Bronte died of tuberculosis on December 19, 1848, at the age of just 30. Though her life was short, her legacy as a writer and poet continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
The Historical Context of Remembrance
The historical context of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is crucial to understanding the themes and motifs present in the poem. Bronte lived during the Romantic era, a time when poets and writers were preoccupied with the natural world, individualism, and emotion. The Romantic movement was a reaction to the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and logic over emotion and intuition. Bronte’s poem reflects these Romantic ideals, as it is filled with vivid descriptions of nature and explores the speaker’s intense emotions. Additionally, the poem was written during a time of great social change in England, as the Industrial Revolution was transforming the country. This context is important to consider when analyzing the poem’s themes of loss and nostalgia, as the speaker’s longing for the past can be seen as a response to the rapid changes happening in society. Overall, understanding the historical context of Remembrance is essential to fully appreciating the poem’s significance and meaning.
The Theme of Love and Loss
Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is a poem that explores the theme of love and loss. The poem is a reflection of the speaker’s feelings towards a loved one who has passed away. The speaker is filled with a sense of longing and sadness as they remember the moments they shared with their loved one. The poem is a beautiful expression of the pain that comes with losing someone you love. Bronte’s use of language and imagery creates a powerful emotional impact on the reader. The poem is a reminder that love and loss are intertwined and that the pain of losing someone you love is a testament to the depth of that love.
The Symbolism of Nature
Nature plays a significant role in Emily Bronte’s Remembrance, serving as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. The natural world is used to convey the speaker’s emotions and to reflect the themes of love, loss, and memory. The opening lines of the poem set the scene in a natural setting, with the speaker describing the “wild wind” and “darkening sky.” This imagery sets a melancholic tone and foreshadows the speaker’s feelings of sadness and longing. As the poem progresses, the speaker uses nature to express her emotions, describing the “sighing trees” and “weeping dew” as symbols of her own grief. The use of nature in Remembrance is not only symbolic but also serves to create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader, immersing them in the speaker’s world and emotions.
The Role of Religion in Remembrance
Religion plays a significant role in Emily Bronte’s Remembrance. The novel is set in the 19th century, a time when religion was deeply ingrained in society. Bronte uses religious imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of love, loss, and remembrance. The protagonist, Catherine, is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her duty to marry Edgar Linton, a wealthy man who can provide her with a comfortable life. Catherine’s struggle is reminiscent of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, who were tempted by the forbidden fruit and faced the consequences of their actions. Similarly, Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar leads to her eventual death, and Heathcliff’s obsession with her memory drives the plot of the novel. Bronte also uses religious imagery to describe the natural world, which serves as a metaphor for the characters’ emotions. The moors, for example, are described as a “wilderness” and a “waste” that reflects the characters’ inner turmoil. Overall, religion plays a crucial role in Remembrance, highlighting the characters’ moral dilemmas and adding depth to the novel’s themes.
The Use of Imagery in Remembrance
Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is a poem that is rich in imagery. The use of imagery in the poem is not only meant to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind but also to evoke emotions and memories. The poem is a reflection of the speaker’s longing for a loved one who has passed away. The imagery used in the poem is meant to create a sense of nostalgia and to help the speaker remember the good times they shared with their loved one. The use of imagery in Remembrance is a powerful tool that helps the reader connect with the speaker’s emotions and experiences. It is a reminder that memories are not just a collection of facts but are also a collection of emotions and experiences that are deeply ingrained in our minds. The use of imagery in Remembrance is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and to help us remember the people and experiences that have shaped our lives.
The Narrative Structure of Remembrance
The narrative structure of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is a complex and intricate one, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives to create a rich and layered story. At its core, the novel is a tale of love and loss, exploring the themes of grief, memory, and the power of the past to shape the present. Bronte’s use of multiple narrators and shifting perspectives allows her to explore these themes in a nuanced and multifaceted way, giving readers a deep and immersive experience of the characters’ emotional journeys. From the haunting opening lines to the bittersweet conclusion, Remembrance is a masterful example of the power of narrative structure to convey complex ideas and emotions.
The Characterization of the Protagonist
The protagonist of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance is a complex character whose personality is shaped by her experiences and relationships. Catherine Earnshaw is a passionate and impulsive young woman who is torn between her love for two men, Heathcliff and Edgar Linton. She is also deeply conflicted about her social status and the expectations placed upon her as a member of the upper class.
Catherine’s relationship with Heathcliff is particularly significant in shaping her character. She is drawn to his wild and untamed nature, but also repelled by his lack of social standing. Her love for him is intense and all-consuming, but ultimately she chooses to marry Edgar Linton for the sake of social advancement. This decision haunts her for the rest of her life, as she is unable to reconcile her love for Heathcliff with her duty to her husband and society.
Throughout the novel, Catherine’s character is also shaped by her relationships with other characters. Her brother Hindley’s cruelty and abuse leave a lasting impact on her, while her friendship with Edgar’s sister Isabella highlights her kind and compassionate nature.
Overall, Catherine Earnshaw is a complex and multi-dimensional character whose personality is shaped by her relationships, social status, and inner conflicts. Her story is a powerful exploration of love, duty, and the human psyche.
The Significance of the Title
The title of a literary work is often the first thing that readers encounter, and it can set the tone for their entire reading experience. In the case of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance, the title is significant in several ways. First, it suggests that the work is a reflection on memory and the past. This is fitting, given that the poem is written in memory of Bronte’s sister Anne, who died at a young age. The title also implies a sense of longing or nostalgia, as if the speaker is trying to hold onto something that has slipped away. Finally, the word “remembrance” has a religious connotation, suggesting that the speaker is seeking solace or comfort in their memories. All of these elements contribute to the overall mood and theme of the poem, making the title an important part of its meaning.
The Influence of Romanticism on Remembrance
The influence of Romanticism on Emily Bronte’s Remembrance cannot be ignored. Romanticism was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. These themes are evident in Bronte’s poem, which is a reflection on the power of memory and the pain of lost love. The speaker in the poem is consumed by memories of a past love and is unable to move on. This focus on emotion and the individual experience is a hallmark of Romanticism. Additionally, the poem’s descriptions of nature, such as “the wild rose-briar,” “the heath,” and “the moors,” evoke the beauty and power of the natural world, another key theme of Romanticism. Overall, the influence of Romanticism on Remembrance is clear, and it is through this lens that we can better understand the poem’s themes and meaning.
The Reception of Remembrance
The reception of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance has been varied since its publication in 1846. Initially, the novel received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Bronte’s poetic language and vivid imagery, while others criticized the novel’s unconventional structure and dark themes. However, over time, Remembrance has become a beloved classic of English literature, with readers and scholars alike appreciating its exploration of love, loss, and the human psyche. The novel’s enduring popularity is a testament to Bronte’s skill as a writer and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
The Legacy of Emily Bronte’s Remembrance
Emily Bronte’s Remembrance has left a lasting legacy in the literary world. The poem, which was published posthumously in 1846, is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to a lost loved one. Its themes of grief, memory, and the power of love have resonated with readers for generations. The poem’s enduring popularity is a testament to Bronte’s skill as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of human emotion in her work. As we continue to unpack the layers of meaning in Remembrance, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of Bronte’s poetry and the impact it has had on the literary canon.
The Relationship between Remembrance and Wuthering Heights
The relationship between remembrance and Wuthering Heights is a complex one, as Emily Bronte’s novel is filled with characters who are haunted by their pasts. The novel’s protagonist, Heathcliff, is driven by his desire for revenge against those who have wronged him, and his obsession with the past ultimately leads to his downfall. Similarly, Catherine Earnshaw is haunted by her childhood memories of Heathcliff, and her inability to let go of the past ultimately leads to her tragic end.
At the same time, however, Wuthering Heights also suggests that remembrance can be a positive force. The novel’s framing device, in which the narrator Lockwood discovers the story of Heathcliff and Catherine through the diaries of their former housekeeper, Nelly Dean, suggests that the act of remembering can be a way of preserving the past and passing it down to future generations.
Ultimately, the relationship between remembrance and Wuthering Heights is a complex one, as the novel suggests that while the past can be a source of both pain and nostalgia, it is also an essential part of our identity and our understanding of the world around us.
The Role of Gender in Remembrance
The role of gender in remembrance is a crucial aspect to consider when analyzing Emily Bronte’s Remembrance. Throughout the poem, Bronte presents a gendered perspective on memory and the act of remembering. The speaker, who is assumed to be a woman, is constantly haunted by memories of a past love. She is unable to forget the pain and heartbreak that came with the end of the relationship. This gendered perspective on memory is significant because it highlights the societal expectations placed on women to be emotional and sentimental. Women are often expected to hold onto memories and emotions, while men are encouraged to move on and forget. Bronte’s portrayal of the speaker’s inability to forget her past love challenges these gendered expectations and suggests that the act of remembering is not solely a feminine trait. Additionally, the poem’s focus on the speaker’s emotional turmoil and vulnerability further reinforces the societal expectations placed on women to be emotional and sensitive. Overall, the role of gender in remembrance is a crucial aspect to consider when analyzing Bronte’s Remembrance, as it sheds light on the societal expectations placed on women and challenges traditional gender roles.
The Use of Foreshadowing in Remembrance
Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to hint at what is to come in their story. Emily Bronte, the author of Remembrance, uses foreshadowing throughout the novel to create a sense of anticipation and tension for the reader. One example of foreshadowing in the novel is when the protagonist, Ellen, dreams of a stormy sea and a shipwreck. This dream foreshadows the tragic events that occur later in the novel, where Ellen’s lover, Heathcliff, dies at sea. Another example of foreshadowing is when Ellen describes the moors as “a wild, bleak place” and “a graveyard of the dead.” This foreshadows the many deaths that occur throughout the novel, including the deaths of Catherine and Heathcliff. Bronte’s use of foreshadowing adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a timeless classic in the literary world.
The Significance of the Setting
The setting of a literary work can often play a crucial role in shaping the story and its characters. In Emily Bronte’s Remembrance, the setting of the moors serves as a powerful backdrop for the novel’s themes of isolation, passion, and the destructive nature of love. The bleak and desolate landscape mirrors the emotional turmoil of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Catherine Earnshaw. The moors also serve as a symbol of the wild and untamed nature of the human spirit, as well as the harsh realities of life in rural England during the 19th century. Overall, the setting of Remembrance is a vital component of the novel’s meaning and significance, and helps to create a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.
The Theme of Death in Remembrance
The theme of death is a prevalent motif in Emily Bronte’s Remembrance. The poem explores the idea of death as a release from the pain and suffering of life. The speaker longs for death as a way to escape the memories of a lost love. The imagery of death is used throughout the poem, with references to graves, tombs, and the darkness of the night. The speaker also reflects on the idea of being reunited with the loved one in death, suggesting that death is not an end but a continuation of the relationship. The theme of death in Remembrance adds to the overall melancholic tone of the poem and highlights the speaker’s deep sense of loss and longing.
The Use of Irony in Remembrance
Irony is a literary device that is often used to convey a deeper meaning or message in a text. In Emily Bronte’s Remembrance, irony is used to highlight the theme of loss and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is written from the perspective of someone who is remembering a loved one who has passed away. The speaker reflects on the memories they shared and the moments they will never have again.
One example of irony in the poem is the line, “And if I should meet thee / After long years, / How should I greet thee? / With silence and tears.” This line is ironic because the speaker is imagining a future meeting with their loved one, but they know that this is impossible because the person is already dead. The use of irony here emphasizes the speaker’s sense of loss and the fact that they will never be able to see their loved one again.
Another example of irony in the poem is the line, “Cold in the earth—and the deep snow piled above thee, / Far, far removed, cold in the dreary grave!” This line is ironic because the speaker is describing their loved one as being “cold in the earth,” but in reality, the person is no longer capable of feeling anything. The use of irony here highlights the speaker’s sense of despair and the fact that they are struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Overall, the use of irony in Remembrance serves to underscore the poem’s themes of loss and the fleeting nature of life. By using irony to highlight the speaker’s sense of despair and the impossibility of their situation, Emily Bronte creates a powerful and moving tribute to the memory of a loved one.