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Revealed: Charlotte Bronte's love letters

Charlotte Bronte's real life romantic leanings might have been the inspiration for her books. According to recently released love letters, the author of Jane Eyre was infatuated with her Belgian professor.

Published on: Jan 27, 2012, 11:34:39 IST
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Charlotte Bronte's real life romantic leanings might have been the inspiration for her books. According to recently released love letters, the author of Jane Eyre was infatuated with her Belgian professor.

HT Image
HT Image

Bronte, who was a student of Constantin Heger, wrote the letters in 1844, three years before she writing her most famous novel, Jane Eyre. But the professor, a married man with two children, tore up and threw the letters in the bin. Much later, his wife found the letters and sewed them up, reports Daily Mail.

One further letter had a postscript written in English, which is now to be published by the British Library in an anthology of love letters written by historical figures. It reads: 'I must say one word to you in English - I wish I would write to you more cheerful letters, for when I read this over, I find it to be somewhat gloomy - but forgive me my dear master - do not be irritated at my sadness - according to the words of the Bible: "Out of the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaketh" and truly I find it difficult to be cheerful so long as I think I shall never see you more", reports Daily Mail.

Villette, a story about a young women's love for her professor, bears an uncanny resemblance to the author's personal life.