The simplicity, the
delicacy, the humility of it all is above praise. If ever there was
a human being who might have pleaded to be excused from any gallant
battling with life because of her bleak, comfortless, unhappy
surroundings, and her own sensitive temperament, it was Charlotte
Bronte. But instead of that she fought silently with disaster and
unhappiness, neither pitying herself for her destiny, nor taking
the smallest credit for her tough resistance. It does not
necessarily prove that all can wage so equal a fight with fears and
sorrows; but it shows at least that an indomitable resolution can
make a noble thing out of a life from which every circumstance of
romance and dignity seems to be purposely withdrawn.
I do not think that there is in literature a more inspiring and
heartening book than Mrs. Gaskell's Life of Charlotte Bronte. The
book was written with a fine frankness and a daring indiscretion
which cost Mrs. Gaskell very dear. It remains as one of the most
matchless and splendid presentments of duty and passion and genius,
waging a perfectly undaunted fight with life and temperament, and
carrying off the spoils not only of undying fame, but the far more
supreme crown of moral force.
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