In search of the Brontes Part 2 - 3/6

A documentary produced by BBC in 2003 and broadcasted by the TV channel of Greek Parliament.
Directed by Samira Osmar. Program Consultant: Juliet Barker.

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Education

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[frumaatholoid]

I've read their correspondence, and I ended up not liking Smith. He ended up being a fair-weathered friend and claimed he was the inspiration for the Dr. John character in 'Villette', which, even if true, is presumptuous to claim, don't you think?

[ksotikoula]

I don't like him much either.But he was right about Dr John.He had suggested to Charlotte to make his house the set of a novel.She refused saying that she would feel too much like the snake that enters the paradise& that she didn't like her subjects to know.She reconsidered it however.Some think that Smith was offended by her presenting him as the worldly Graham who could not understand Lucy.She also comments in Villette that in Paul's friendship she could count on. It was not a passing whim.

[ksotikoula]

So you see Graham&Smith had the same faults&merits. I dislike mostly his intense attentions to C that made people believe he was going to marry her (so blattant they must have been) & then his not mentioning his engagement. It was either indifferent if he considered C a friend or guilty for creating different impressions. I believe C was hurt mostly about his unfriendly conduct&not by any disappointed hopes for getting him as some claim.She had pre-decided that with Villette or was testing him.

[ksotikoula]

She had written to him:You are to keep a fraction of yourself,if it be only the end of your little finger,for him(Currer Bell)&that fraction he will neither let gentleman or lady,author or artist,take possession of.I understood it as saying she didn't care what their relationship was going to be,as long as he didn't let anyone else interfere.I believe she had his mother in mind.She had once suffered by Madame interfering in her platonic relationship with Heger to like seeing it again.

[iamme611]

Yes, I agree about not liking Smith. Though I do think there is ample evidence Dr. John is based on him. I just read Lyn Gordan''s bio calledCharlotte Bronte: A passionate life. When I read of this horrid treatment towards an olderly woman and a battered wife, I was quite happy she stayed away from him. (not that I am a big Nichollas fan, but he is much kinder than Smith).

[ksotikoula]

When I read that part and his treatment of Ellen, I too thought that Charlotte didn't lost much not being with him. He would never have understood Charlotte's anxiety about her father and would not agree on his living with them like Nicholls did or caring for him after her death. Charlotte often told him that she liked his home character better than his businesslike one. I guess she could see the danger of his turning out into a rich, worldly and perhaps corrupted man.

[frumaatholoid]

I'm really glad that this documentary is on youtube, I always wanted to see it.

But, I think it's a bit inaccurate. For instance, in this segment, at the very end the narrator claims that Smith and Charlotte fell in love. I don't think she was in love with him; attracted, yes, intellectually intrigued, yes, but in love? It was never requited if she was. Smith never cared for her like that.

[JaponLights]

@jposh707 No, no I don't think so...perhaps he didn't like to show his emotions, that's all. He taught Branwell by himself, only because Branwell needed to find a job. Girls couldn't get a normal job except governess. Mr. Bronte reminds me a lot of my grandpa, he always concern about ours grades in school, but never really says that he's proud. Grandpa just allow us to feel it.

[jposh707]

If it had been Bramwell's book the father would have been like "My son! I love you! My son, you are a GENIUS!" But since it was written by a woman (Charlotte), he was just like "Meh. It's a better book than I expected." I hate chauvinism!!!!

[ksotikoula]

There are some biographers that agree with you. I believe she responded to the vivacity and the spontaneous and joyous in him. Gaskell had written in a letter that C was a person with a great urge to live. So, she was not the melancholic person she presented her in her biography. Her letters to Smith and some of her friends are teasing and funny. I believe she was very attracted to him but could see his faults plainly.Some think that even if he had proposed she wouldn't accept him.I am not sure.