Brontë Family

This book explores the Brontë 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 person’s 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 Brontë siblings and how Charlotte’s role and behaviour changed when she suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at the position and expectations of Anne Brontë, 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.Anne’s 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 sister’s character, beliefs and behaviour.This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Brontë'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.

Catherine Rayner is a Life Member of The Bronte Society, was a Trustee on the Council of the Bronte Society, and the Chair of its Conference and Publications Committee. She studied at Hull and Leeds Universities and has degrees in English and Philosophy with Social History, Health and Social Care, and an MA in Women's Literature. She has studied and researched the lives of the Bronte family for over fifty years, and has previously written two theses on Emily Bronte, as well as various articles. Alongside this, she is a qualified nurse and has studied the effects of childhood on the development and psychology of adults.