Shirley - Charlotte Brontë (1800)

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Shirley, published in 1849, was Charlotte Brontë's second novel after Jane Eyre. Published under his pseudonym "Currer Bell", it differs in several aspects from that earlier work. It is written in the third person with an omniscient narrator, rather than Jane Eyre's first person, and incorporates the themes of industrial change and the plight of unemployed workers. It also presents strong calls for the recognition of women's intellect and their right to independence of thought and action.
Set in the West Riding of Yorkshire during the Napoleonic period of the early 19th century, the novel describes clashes between textile manufacturers and organized groups of workers protesting the introduction of power looms. Three characters stand out: Robert Moore, a factory owner determined to introduce modern methods despite sometimes violent opposition; his young cousin Caroline Helstone, who falls deeply in love with Robert; and Shirley Keeldar, a wealthy heiress who comes to live at the Fieldhead estate, on whose land Robert's mill is located. Robert's business is in trouble, not so much because of worker protests but because of a government decree that prevents him from selling his finished fabrics abroad during the war with Napoleon. He receives a loan from Miss Keeldar, and her interest in him appears to turn romantic, much to the distress of Caroline, who languishes for lack of any sign of affection from Robert.
Shirley Keeldar is a remarkable female character for the time: strong, very independent-minded, disdainful of many of society's standard rules, and determined to decide on her own future. Interestingly, until that time, the name "Shirley" was almost exclusively a male name; Shirley's parents hoped to have a boy. However, such was the success of Brontë's novel that it became increasingly popular as a feminine name and is now almost exclusively so.
Although never as popular or successful as the more classically romantic Jane Eyre, Shirley is now highly regarded by critics.
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Subjects
England, fiction, British and Irish fiction (fictional works by one author), fiction, historical, general, Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815, fiction, fiction, historical fiction, textile industry, fiction, Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815, women, historical fiction, Yorkshire (England) -- fiction, women -- England -- fiction, textile industry -- fiction, Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815 -- fiction, social life and customs, Long Now Manual for Civilization, collection: Name showing 11 notable editions. See all 536 editions?
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Editing notes
At the head of the title: Haworth edition.
Reproduction of t.-p. 1st edition: Shirley. A story. By Currer Bell, author of "Jane Eyre." In three volumes. London, Smith, Elder and company, 1849.