Artistic Qualities of the Novel “Vilette” by Charlotte Brontë

Abstract

Charlotte’s novels all represent Charlotte’s struggle to balance Reason and Passion, while not becoming overcome by either. Lucy Snowe’s story is affected and altered by the fact that she fights against her nature and her passionate inclinations. This too ties into her desire to stay hidden in shadow. Desperately she tries to stifle the part of herself that yearns for more, focusing on the necessity of “knocking on the head” her longings and desires. She fears the deeper parts within herself, which is one of the most tragic aspects of the book, for it alters her life and the person she becomes.