SOURCE: Leyland, Francis A. “Branwell's Character.” In The Brontë Family, with Special Reference to Patrick Branwell Brontë, Vol. II, pp. 287-302. New York: Haskell House Publishers Ltd., 1971.

In the following essay, originally published in 1886, Brontë's friend Francis A. Leyland avers that Brontë's writings grew out of his intense personal emotion and passionate spirit.

It has often been observed that the life of a poet may best be learned from the works he has left behind him. We may fall into error in dealing with the circumstances of his external life, and may make mistakes as to chronology or facts, and, in this way, may be led often to form a false estimate of his character; but, if we discover the personality concealed in his writings, if we can grasp the hidden spirit by which they are informed, we shall be enabled to follow his heart in...