Villette

Description

Charlotte Bronte is widely known for writing Jane Eyre, one of the most famous and well-received books in history. However, according to numerous critics, as well as famous names of the literary world, the likes of George Eliot and George Henry Lewes, Villette is actually considered her best work, despite the less than encouraging critical reception of the time.

Villette was poorly received for a very essential reason – perhaps the very reason why Bronte wrote the book in the first place. The society of the time was deeply biased against a view of feminine figures such as the one adopted by Bronte in her book, and even men who were known to have strong feminist views at the time considered it to be deeply flawed.

The book recounts the story of Lucy Snowe, a young, resilient and self-reliant woman with many flaws – such as lack of self-esteem – but also the benefit of determination and a truly strong character. Lucy was forced to leave England to make a better life for herself as a caregiver, after a sorrowful tragedy leaves her without a family.

One of the main reason for Villette’s criticism was that, compared to the Victorian ideal of a successful woman, Lucy is very far from being regarded as having the “right” qualities. Without a significant social stature, family, financial wealth or good looks, she seems doomed from the start to live a less than sensational life. However, this brilliant, imaginative and quite unique female character manages to surprise everyone through her inventive – and, according to some, modern – take on life.


[amz_corss_sell asin=”1776662113″]