The History of Literature 763 Emily's Desk Drawer
Jan 1, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of Emily Brontë, who, under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, sparked curiosity with her novel Wuthering Heights just before her untimely passing. Discover how she reacted to differing reviews, from the dark and violent critiques to those praising its original power. Delve into Emily's struggle with public perception and her desire for literary recognition while navigating life on the moors. The episode reflects on the profound impact of early criticism and her unique legacy in literature.
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Short, Defining Literary Moment
- Emily Brontë had only about a year as a published novelist before dying at 30, so early reviews shaped her public identity.
- Jacke Wilson frames those reviews as the world telling Emily whether she "fit" into literary society.
Mystery Of The Bells Shaped Reception
- Reviewers in 1848 found the Bells mysterious because of pseudonyms and simultaneous publications.
- That mystery shaped readers' interpretations of Wuthering Heights as produced by an unknown, possibly singular sensibility.
Early Critics Found It Viscerally Dark
- The Periodical Atlas review called Wuthering Heights "disemboweling" and emotionally harrowing, emphasizing its relentless darkness.
- Reviewers saw the novel as "the reality of unreality," a disjointed but vividly savage tale.