BRONTË SISTERS
(England - 19th Century)

The Three Graces of Yorkshire

The three sisters, born to a small parsonage on the edge of the moors at Haworth, Yorkshire, combined to create one of the most inspiring literary families of British history.

Generally educated by their father who allowed them to read any newspaper, magazine or book that came into the house, the three sisters spent a brief time at an oppressive boarding school for daughters of clergymen.

Amazingly, these three women with no access to a higher classical education, nor financial means to travel have produced poetry and novels which are masterpieces of English literature.

By today's standards their lives were harsh, spartan and uneventful -- what was the force behind their achievements? Could it have been Calliope the muse of epic poetry whose spirit chose to reside for a while in the eerie dark and damp climate of the Yorkshire Moors?

SYMBOLS

1. The Three Graces - Greek myth; pose from Botticelli's Primavera. The Graces were emanations of the Goddess, they danced in her shrines and were patrons of music, dance, poetry and art.

2. Candle - Illumination.

3. Bust of Sappho - Considered the tenth Muse by Plato -- noted for her literary genius 600 BC. Of her nine books all are lost except one. The ancients ranked her with Homer.

4. Iris - (on columns) Vision -- the messenger of the Gods.

5. Books - Symbol of the universe.

6. Dictionary - Open book depicts the book of life, learning and the spirit of Wisdom.

7. Cat - Symbolizes the waxing and waning of the moon.

8. Moon - Symbol of feminine power; perpetual renewal, enlightenment.

9. Globe - Eternity; the self contained; wholeness.

Charolette 1816-1855 Emily 1818-1848 Ann 1820-1849

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