The Wisdom of Charlotte Bronte by Charlotte Bronte

Thoughts Gathered from Her Novels

Introduction By Polly Teale 

Edited by Grace Milne Rae

‘Cheerfulness is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within, as on the state of things without and around us.’

From Jane Eyre to Lucy Snowe, Charlotte Brontë’s heroines think deeply on how to live a fulfilling life, often expressing passionate beliefs, heartfelt advice and pragmatic philosophy. This inspirational selection of short quotations, revealing their – and their author’s –  innermost thoughts on early Victorian times, remains surprisingly relevant to us today. Drawn from Jane Eyre, Villette, Shirley and The Professor, the quotations cover a wide range of themes including happiness, love, feminism, work, truth, feelings and prejudice.

This thought-provoking book, first published in 1912, is a delightful gift for anyone who loves to read Brontë’s novels.

Format:Hardback 80 pages
Publisher:Bodleian Library
Imprint:Bodleian Library
ISBN:9781851246748
Published:7 May 2026
Classifications:Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers, Dictionaries of quotations, Assertiveness, motivation & self-esteem
Dimensions:170 x 110 (mm)