"The Old Stoic": Emily Brontë's Quest for Emotional Liberation

Emily Brontë remains the sphinx of literature.

Attributed to William Robertson Nicoll (1851 - 1923)

Scottish writer.

Introduction

Emily Brontë 

Emily Brontë (1818-1848), a prominent English poet and novelist of the 19th century, was renowned for her introspective and passionate works. In her poem "The Old Stoic," Brontë explores the theme of emotional liberation, expressing her disdain for societal conventions and her longing for personal freedom. We can easily drive into the poem's underlying meaning, highlighting Brontë's desire to break free from the constraints of love, riches, and fame, and emphasize the significance of a "chainless soul" and the courage to endure. "The Old Stoic" made its appearance in a collection of poetry curated by the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—and published in 1846. Adopting masculine pseudonyms derived from their actual initials, they titled their work "Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell."

"The Old Stoic" embodies the teachings of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, advocating for a way of life centered on inner peace and unwavering moral conviction. As the poetess nears the end of her journey, her sole desire is to gather the strength necessary to liberate herself from emotional attachments and material constraints. This poem adopts the ballad meter, enhancing its lyrical essence.

The Rejection of Earthly Attachments

The opening stanza of the poem establishes the poet's disregard for conventional pursuits. Brontë declares her indifference towards riches, love, and fame, considering them as transitory and insignificant. By holding riches in "light esteem" and laughing at love, she challenges the traditional notions of material wealth and romantic entanglements. Furthermore, she dismisses the lust for fame as a fleeting illusion that dissipates like the morning mist. Brontë's rejection of these conventional desires reflects her longing for something more profound and enduring:

"Riches I hold in light esteem,

   And Love I laugh to scorn;

And lust of fame was but a dream,

   That vanished with the morn:"

The Prayer for Liberty

Next, Brontë reveals her solitary prayer, the only supplication that escapes her lips. She implores for liberation from the burdened heart she carries, seeking freedom above all else. The poet yearns for emancipation from the emotional chains that weigh her down, symbolizing her desire to break free from societal expectations and personal attachments. It is this pursuit of inner freedom that becomes the central focus of Brontë's quest:

"And if I pray, the only prayer

   That moves my lips for me

Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear,

   And give me liberty!""

The Chainless Soul and Courage to Endure

As the poem progresses, Brontë's yearning for liberation intensifies. In the final stanza, she states her sole request, encapsulating the essence of her aspirations: a chainless soul. This metaphoric portrayal emphasizes her deep longing for emotional emancipation, transcending the shackles of societal norms and personal attachments. Brontë craves a life unencumbered by external influences, where she can authentically experience her own thoughts and emotions without constraint:

"Yes, as my swift days near their goal:

   ’Tis all that I implore;

In life and death a chainless soul,

   With courage to endure."

Additionally, Brontë emphasizes the necessity of courage in enduring the quest for emotional liberation. She recognizes that this journey will not be without challenges and hardships, both in life and death. By advocating for courage, Brontë conveys her belief in the strength required to confront societal expectations, face emotional turmoil, and embrace a life of personal freedom.

Conclusion:

Emily Brontë's poem "The Old Stoic" encapsulates her yearning for emotional liberation and her longing to break free from the constraints imposed by society and personal attachments. By rejecting the allure of riches, love, and fame, Brontë exposes the superficiality of conventional desires and advocates for a more profound and enduring freedom. Through her plea for a chainless soul and the courage to endure, Brontë emphasizes the arduous yet transformative nature of the quest for emotional liberation. In this introspective work, Brontë captures the essence of her own struggle and echoes the universal human desire for autonomy and authenticity.

In "The Old Stoic," Emily Brontë offers a timeless reminder of the importance of challenging societal expectations and embracing one's true self. Her words continue to resonate with readers, inspiring them to question and transcend the limitations imposed by external influences, ultimately seeking the liberation of the soul and the courage to endure life's trials.

Ardhendu De

References

1. The Old Stoic by Emily Brontë - Poems | Academy of American Poets. (n.d.). The Old Stoic by Emily Brontë - Poems | Academy of American Poets. https://poets.org/poem/old-stoic