A Study Of Anne Bronte’s Animal Writing And Construction Of Middle-Class Culture

Anne Bronte(1820-1849),is a British novelist and poet in the nineteenth century.In her short writing life,she only publishes two novels and a number of poems.As a realistic writer,she persists in presenting life as it really is.Though characterizing simple plot and plain language,her works are still full of warmth and power.What is ubiquitous in her novels is animal writing,which is also easily ignored by readers.Animals like ordinary domesticated cat or dog and birds that can be seen everywhere in nature all enjoy her special consideration.In the eighteenth century,the rapid rise of British middle-class instilled new vitality in British social development.The nineteenth century witnessed its further development in population and economic strength.At that time,constructing their own culture to acquire social recognition became the problem demanding prompt solution.Anne Bronte,as a steady realistic writer and a member of this class,in her writings put forward her views of this heated issue through relevant animal writing.In Anne Bronte’s view,before constructing its own culture,the middle-class firstly need to expose and criticize the negative ingredients of mainstream upper-class culture.The Arthur Hungtingdon group hunt animals immoderately and fool with women;The Murray ladies optionally abandon their pets;The Bloomfields mercilessly abuse innocent animals.Traits like degeneration and brutality of the upper-class or aristocracy are vividly demonstrated in their attitudes towards animal and corresponding actions.Then,the writer’s approval of the middle-class kindness to animals and the class features behind the kindness is explored.The middle-class culture represented by the loving Greys,Weston’s redefinition of “gentleman” and the appearance of new middle-class career woman with Helen as an example are all the best interpretations of middle-class culture.Finally,Anne Bronte’s animal discourse in constructing middle-class culture is touched.In this part,middle-class’ s view of humanity,marriage and nature are discussed.Agnes’ kindness to animals displays that a true human being should be benevolent and sympathetic.Weston and his wife forge bond through animal and finally get married to construct a happy family.Their experience proves that marriage based on love and biophilia is more likely to bring happiness.Other middle-class characters like little Arthur and Helen make friends with animals and find peace and pleasure in nature,which reveals the view of nature Anne advocates,that is,loving nature and keeping harmonious relationship with animals.This thesis explores Anne Bronte’s animal writing by examining its connection with the construction of middle-class culture,hoping to make a tiny contribution to the research of Anne Bronte and her works.Besides,in modern society,middle-class culture has become the dominant one.Exploring its construction can help trace the source of modern spirits,finally fulfilling a better understanding of current social situation and generating some enlightenment and reflection on humanity,nature and marriage for today’s society.