From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we will be taking a look at the works of the Brontë sisters, namely Emily, Charlotte, and Anne.
Anne Brontë was born on January 17, 1820, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, Charlotte Brontë was born on April 21, 1816 in Thornton, Yorkshire, while Emily Brontë was born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England.
What
Examples of works by the Brontë sisters include Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë, Withering Heights by Emily Brontë, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Where
These works are set throughout England, including the northeastern York Moors.
When
These novels are set through the nineteenth century.
Why
The works of the Brontë sisters may be of interest to AU students who would like to read more about themes of love, betrayal, family issues, and class. Although AU ENGL majors may already be familiar with the works of Charlotte and Emily, the works of Anne are also quite notable.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the Brontë sisters are available in a variety of disciplines, including one’s that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 395: The Nineteenth-Century English Novel, a senior-level, six-credit course, which “introduces the student to some of the major English novels of the nineteenth century.” (Students should note that this course requires several prerequisites, including ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays).
Students may also be interested in ENGL 393: The Early Twentieth-Century English Novel, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “focuses on the first four decades of the twentieth-century British novel, its history and development, its rich variety of forms and techniques, and the ideas and events that influenced it.” (Once again, this course requires the successful completion of ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays). Happy reading!