Exploring the Brontës

In this group, we will read together and examine the writings of the Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, beginning with a look at their life and legacy. We will read and examine all of their novels, concluding with Wuthering Heights.

The first book we'll read is Jane Eyre. This is perhaps one of the most famous British novels of the 19th century, and a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the Victorian period.

Jane Eyre is the story of an orphan girl living in the north of England. After being sent to school at ten years old, she becomes a governess at a large house owned by the mysterious Mr. Rochester.

The reading schedule, starting October 7th, will be as follows:
Week 1: Chapters 1-4
Week 2: Chapters 5-8
Week 3: Chapters 9-13
Week 4: Chapters 14-18
Week 5: Chapters 19-23
Week 6: Chapters 24-28
Week 7: Chapters 29-33
Week 8: Chapters 34-38
You can read whichever version of the book you prefer, but the Penguin and Oxford World Classics editions are always good if you want access to some notes and commentary.

Subsequent sessions will concentrate on the othe Brontë novels and will have the following schedule:

Shirley (1849)
Week 1: Chapters 1-4
Week 2: Chapters 5-8
Week 3: Chapters 9-13
Week 4: Chapters 14-18
Week 5: Chapters 19-23
Week 6: Chapters 24-28
Week 7: Chapters 29-33
Week 8: Chapters 34-37

Villette (1853)
Week 1: Chapters 1-7
Week 2: Chapters 8-13
Week 3: Chapters 14-18
Week 4: Chapters 19-22
Week 5: Chapters 23-27
Week 6: Chapters 24-33
Week 7: Chapters 34-37
Week 8: Chapters 38-42

The Professor (1857)
Week 1: Chapters 1-4
Week 2: Chapters 5-8
Week 3: Chapters 9-13
Week 4: Chapters 14-17
Week 5: Chapters 18-21
Week 6: Chapters 22-25

Agnes Grey (1847)
Week 1: Chapters 1-4
Week 2: Chapters 5-8
Week 3: Chapters 9-13
Week 4: Chapters 14-17
Week 5: Chapters 18-21
Week 6: Chapters 22-25

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848)
Week 1: Chapters 1-7
Week 2: Chapters 8-15
Week 3: Chapters 16-22
Week 4: Chapters 24-30
Week 5: Chapters 31-36
Week 6: Chapters 37-42
Week 7: Chapters 42-49
Week 8: Chapters 49-53

Wuthering Heights (1847)
Week 1: Chapters 1-6
Week 2: Chapters 7-13
Week 3: Chapters 14-19
Week 4: Chapters 20-24
Week 5: Chapters 25-29
Week 6: Chapters 30-34