Preference. Currer Bell
This novel is a coming-of-age story about a young girl who lives with her aunt and cousin on the Yorkshire moors. The narrative explores themes of isolation, nature, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist's interactions with those around her reveal her inner world and emotional struggles. Her experiences are marked by a sense of confinement and longing for freedom. Through her journey, the novel examines the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. The story is characterized by its poetic language and vivid descriptions of the natural landscape.
By Charlotte Brontë · First published 1859 · Genre: Classic Literature, Romance, Gothic fiction · 750 words
First lines
Not in scorn do I reprove thee, Not in pride thy vows I waive, But, believe, I could not love thee, Wert thou prince, and I a slave. These, then, are thine oaths of passion? This, thy tenderness for me? Judged, even, by thine own confession, Thou art steeped in perfidy. Having vanquished, thou wouldst leave me! Thus I read thee long ago; Therefore, dared I not deceive thee, Even with friendship's gentle show. Therefore, with impassive coldness Have I ever met thy gaze; Though, full oft, with daring boldness, Thou thine eyes to mine didst raise. Why that smile? Thou now art deeming This my coldness all untrue, -- But a mask of frozen seeming, Hiding secret fires from view. Touch my hand, thou self-deceiver; Nay-be calm, for I am so: Does it burn? Does my lip quiver? Has mine eye a troubled glow? Canst thou call a moment's colour To my forehead -- to my cheek? Canst thou tinge their tranquil pallor With one flattering, feverish streak? Am I marble? What! no woman Could so calm before thee stand? Nothing living, sentient, human, Could so coldly take thy hand? Yes -- a sister might, a mother: My good-will is sisterly: Dream not, then, I strive to smother Fires that inly burn for thee. Rave not, rage not, wrath is fruitless, Fury cannot change my mind; I but deem the feeling rootless Which so whirls in passion's wind. Can I love? Oh, deeply -- truly -- Warmly -- fondly -- but not thee; And my love is answered duly, With an equal energy. Wouldst thou see thy rival? Hasten, Draw that curtain soft aside, Look where yon thick branches chasten Noon, with shades of eventide. In that glade, where foliage blending Forms a green arch overhead, Sits thy rival, thoughtful bending O'er a stand with papers spread -- Motionless, his fingers plying That untired, unresting pen; Time and tide unnoticed flying, There he sits -- the first of men! Man of conscience -- man of reason; Stern, perchance, but ever just; Foe to falsehood, wrong, and treason, Honour's shield, and virtue's trust! Worker, thinker, firm defender Of Heaven's truth -- man's liberty; Soul of iron -- proof to slander, Rock where founders tyranny. Fame he seeks not -- but full surely She will seek him, in his home; This I know, and wait securely For the atoning hour to come. To that man my faith is given, Therefore, soldier, cease to sue; While God reigns in earth and heaven, I to him will still be true!
What this Textopian page supports
Preference. Currer Bell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charlotte Brontë, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charlotte Brontë
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Classic Literature, Romance, Gothic fiction
- Length: 750 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Preference. Currer Bell by Charlotte Brontë
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Preference. Currer Bell?
- How does this poem by Charlotte Brontë fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Classic Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Captive Dove Acton Bell by Charlotte Bronte
- The Philosopher Ellis Bell by Charlotte Bronte
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- Miss Ophelia Gledd by Anthony Trollope
Genres
- Classic Literature — Charlotte Brontë is considered a classic author, and her writing style and themes often reflect what we perceive as classic literature.
- Romance — Brontë's works often include deep romantic plotlines and focus on the dynamics of romantic relationships. Even though the title does not provide specific information, considering Brontë's previous works, the genre of romance can be associated with this book.
- Gothic fiction — Brontë often blends romance with gothic elements, such as dark settings, supernatural phenomena, and high emotions, which are characteristics of gothic fiction.
Tags
romance · Victorian literature · gender roles · identity · social class · literary criticism · female empowerment · self-discovery · love · independence · family dynamics · friendship