SOURCE: Collins, Robert G. “The Fourth Brontë: Branwell as Poet.” Victorian Poetry 23, no. 2 (summer 1985): 202-19.

In the following essay, Collins undertakes a close examination of Brontë as a poet, considering his publishing history, relationships with his sisters (particularly Emily), poetic influences, and primary themes and characters.

Many men write their own epitaph, but few have damned themselves as effectively in doing so as did Branwell Brontë. Consider one of his last surviving notes, written to his life-long friend and sometime custodian, John Brown:

Dear John

I shall feel very much obliged to you if you can contrive to give me Five pence worth of Gin in a proper measure.

Should it be speedily got I could perhaps take it from you or Billy [William Brown] at the lane top, or, what would be quite as well, sent out for, to you.

I anxiously ask the favour because I...