biblioprotasis

19C English Classics

6 books to get acquainted with distinguished authors from 19th century England.

Note: Although Jane Austen was born in the 18th century, her works were published in the 19th.

Emma Woodhouse is a snobbish and often arrogant young woman, who spends her time match-making people with a passion, although she has declared to never marry herself. When her governess—and best friend—moves to her marital house, Emma finds consolation in Harriet's company; she sets as a goal to find her a qualified man to marry. However, things do not always unfold according to the match-maker's expectations, and what could seem obvious to her eyes could be very much mistaken in reality. 

This book follows Agnes Grey, who decides to work as a governess to support her family, after facing a financial misfortune. Leaving her loved ones behind, she serves in different households, under demanding circumstances, and with people who do not treat her correctly. She faces isolation and loneliness—a common case in Victorian England, since working as a governess meant not being able to fit exactly anywhere in the household. Yet, she aims to remain true to her own morals and mind, while trying to find her place in the world.

Anne Brontë's second and last novel is about a marriage marred by abuse during the Victorian era: Helen Graham flees her husband and takes their child with her to prevent his father’s bad influence upon him—an act that carried profound social consequences at the time. Helen's moving to Wildfell Hall raises the curiosity of her neighbours, desiring to get to know more about the newcomer. However, she needs to remain discreet, prudent, and secretive for her child's protection.

Wilde's only novel revolves around a young man, Dorian, who wishes to remain eternally young and beautiful. Cursing his recently-made portrait, he makes the painting to bear the burden of his aging and the weight of his sins. Highly influenced by his social circle, Dorian falls progressively into moral decay, seeking wealth, pleasure, and hedonism at the cost of his own soul.

This story tells Jane Eyre's life, from a mistreated child to her womanhood, where she works as a governess for the Rochester family. Various events unfold throughout the years, challenging Jane's inner strength and morals, when eventually an occurrence of great importance forces her to figure out which of the two major life guides is best to trust; her heart, her mind—or both.

Bathsheba Everdene inherits her uncle's farm in Weatherbury, and thus decides to run it on her own, after firing the bailiff for robbery. The young woman seems to know what she wants, is independent, and does not wish to marry. Her spirited and vain character is being talked about all over the village, yet she makes herself respected, since she is the mistress now. But most of all, it is her natural beauty that no one can overlook, especially three very different men who try to persuade her into marriage. 

Note: No AI was used to write this post.

#recommendations