Pseudonyms used: 'currer bell', 'ellis bell', 'acton bell'

Definition

'Currer Bell', 'Ellis Bell', and 'Acton Bell' are the pseudonyms adopted by the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë—respectively. These names allowed the sisters to publish their works in a male-dominated literary world, providing them with both anonymity and a way to challenge societal norms regarding gender and authorship. The choice of these masculine names reflected their desire for their literary voices to be taken seriously and to gain recognition beyond their gendered identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Currer Bell' was the pseudonym under which Charlotte Brontë published her famous novel 'Jane Eyre' in 1847.
2. 'Ellis Bell' was used by Emily Brontë for her only novel, 'Wuthering Heights', which was published in the same year as Charlotte's work.
3. 'Acton Bell' was the pen name adopted by Anne Brontë for her novels, including 'Agnes Grey', which focused on the struggles of a governess.
4. The sisters initially faced criticism when their true identities were revealed, but their works eventually gained recognition as classics of English literature.
5. The choice of male pseudonyms was a strategic move that allowed the Brontë sisters to navigate the challenges of being female authors in the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did the use of pseudonyms impact the reception of the Brontë sisters' works during their time?
  • The use of pseudonyms allowed the Brontë sisters to publish their works without the immediate bias that female authors often faced. By adopting male names, they were able to present their writing in a more serious light, which helped them gain initial readership and critical attention. Once their identities were revealed, it sparked discussions about gender and authorship in literature, ultimately leading to a broader recognition of women's contributions to literary culture.
• Discuss the significance of the Brontë sisters' choice of male pseudonyms in relation to their literary themes and characters.
  • The Brontë sisters’ choice of male pseudonyms reflects not just a strategy for publication but also resonates with the themes they explored in their works. Many of their characters challenge societal norms, seeking independence and identity against restrictive backgrounds. The use of male identities allowed them to write more freely about these issues without being confined by contemporary expectations of women's roles in literature, thus enriching the complexity and depth of their narratives.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Brontë sisters' pseudonymous writing influences modern perceptions of female authorship.
  • The legacy of the Brontë sisters using pseudonyms significantly influences contemporary views on female authorship by highlighting ongoing issues surrounding gender equality in literature. Their success under male aliases challenges traditional narratives that marginalized women writers and underscores the importance of recognizing diverse voices in literature. This history encourages modern female authors to reclaim their space in literary discussions and promotes awareness about the biases that still exist in publishing today.

Related terms

Brontë Sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë were three literary siblings known for their influential novels and poetry, which often explore themes of love, independence, and societal constraints.

Literary Anonymity: The practice of publishing works without revealing one's true identity, often used by authors to avoid societal prejudices or criticism.

Victorian Literature: A period of literature produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), characterized by its moral seriousness, social commentary, and emphasis on individualism.