Critics on Anne Brontë: a ‘literary Cinderella’

Abstract

The historical problem for the critic of Anne Brontë — as should by now be clear — is to acknowledge the extent of her indebtedness to her sisters and to her milieu while also recognising the scope of her contributions. That is, Anne’s art is shaped by its context without being confined by it; it is also distinctive, innovative, and influential, especially so on Charlotte. Anne not only took her subjects and techniques from her world, but, like all creative artists, she transformed them.