Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion : Foldout

The Brontë Masks


As an educational device, Rev Brontë gave the children a mask which they wore in turn as he asked them questions, suspecting that the child would be more expressive if he/she could not be seen.

Rev Brontë conducted the experiment about 1824.

He recorded the questions, and the children's answers:

Anne

Q: What does a child like you most want?

A: Age and experience

Emily

Q: What had I best do with your brother Branwell who is sometimes a naughty boy?

A: Reason with him, and when he won't listen to reason, whip him

Branwell

Q: What is the best way of knowing the difference between the intellects of men and women?

A: By considering the differences between them as to their bodies

Charlotte

Q: What is the best book in the world? And what is the next best?

A: The Bible. The Book of Nature

Elizabeth

Q: What is the best mode of education for a woman?

A: That which would make her rule her house well

Maria

Q: What is the best mode of spending time?

A: By laying it out in preparation for a happy Eternity



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© Malcolm Bull 2017 / [email protected]
Revised 09:48 on 3rd February 2017 / kk_138 / 5