Brontë Studies. Volume 36, Issue 4

The new issue of Brontë Studies (Volume 36, Issue 4, November 2011) is already available online. We provide you with the table of contents and abstracts:

Editorial
pp. iii-iv(2) Author: Adams, Amber M.

Balthus: Self-Portrait as Heathcliff
pp. 307-321(15) Author: Vitte, Paulette
Abstract:
On the European continent Emily Brontë's novel fascinated artists and writers. The violent dark novel cast a spell on Balthus at a very special moment in his life and influenced all his work.


Branwell at the Heights: an Investigation into the Possible Influence of Branwell Brontë upon Wuthering Heights
pp. 322-335(14) Author: Flintoff, Everard.
Abstract:
A reprint of the article first published in the Durham University Journal (July 1994), 241–51, with kind permission of the University of Durham and Mrs Katherine Flintoff. The Editor thanks Dr Bob Duckett for the paper and Dr David Gordon of Queen's University Belfast for his obliging bibliographic assistance.


The Broken Tree: Symbol and Actuality
pp. 336-343(8) Author: Emberson, Ian
Abstract:
This article considers the concept of the broken tree in literature and the visual arts by quoting examples from the paintings of Jacob van Ruisdael and Sir Walter Scott's novel Peveril of the Peak and by illustrating its use in the drawings, poems and novels of the Brontë sisters.

Lessons from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: Recasting the Mother
pp. 344-357(14) Author: Le Veness, Kristin
Abstract:
The mother functioned as a central, stabilizing figure of the Victorian household, sparking widespread debates over what qualities best served this role. This article reassesses Anne Brontë's contributions to this important social debate. Her feminism is best evidenced through her characters, particularly the mother, and her rational feminist approach to mothering. This philosophy links her to an earlier radical feminist tradition, yet it also advances her modern notions of motherhood. Her radical rendering of the mother — best articulated in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall — challenges existing standards and proposes new possibilities for active mothering and rational motherhood.

Branwell Brontë, Agnes and Mary Riley
pp. 358-362(5) Author: Griffiths, Sarah Elizabeth
Abstract:
Following years of speculation regarding the reason for Branwell Brontë's dismissal from his post as tutor for the Postlethwaites in Broughton-inFurness, recent research has shed more light on the suggestion that he fathered an illegitimate child. A young, unmarried woman, Agnes Riley, living near Broughton, has been cited as a strong contender to be the mothe r of the child, and this article discusses the latest research, which shows what happened to Agnes and her child Mary Riley after Branwell returned to Haworth in disgrace. It proves a link with Agnes and the Postlethwaites and shows that records suggest Agnes's child did not die in infancy but outlived Branwell by twenty years following his death.

Dr John Outhwaite and Miss Frances Outhwaite: Friends of the Brontë Family
pp. 363-373(11)  Author: Walker, Michael
Abstract:
During the five years of the Brontës' residence in Thornton, Patrick and Maria made many friends and led a very active social life. They were introduced into this society by John Scholefield Firth of Kipping Hall, Thornton, and his daughter, Elizabeth. In this circle were Dr Thomas Outhwaite and his two children, John and Frances, who were all destined to play an active role in the Brontë story. This article takes a brief look at the life and times of the Outhwaite family.

A Brontë Reading List: Part 4
pp. 374-380(7) Author: Ogden, James
Abstract:
This is part of an annotated bibliography of scholarly and critical essays. The earlier parts were published in Brontë Studies, 32.2 (July 2007), 33.3 (November 2008) and 34.3 (November 2009). The four parts cover just over 200 essays published from 1999 to 2009, of which about half were on Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights.

Brontë Society Literary Competition 2010-11: First Prize Winners
pp. 381-382(2) Author: Fermi, Sarah

Mourning Bracelet 
pp. 383-383(1) Author: Bromley, Carole
Truelove': Names and Jane Eyre 
pp. 383-387(4) Author: Earnshaw, Steven
Still Cats and Birds 
pp. 388-389(2) Author: Spinks, Catherine

Reviews
pp 390-398(9)