Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Charlotte Brontë’s Last Words
“Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.”— Charlotte Brontë, March 31, 1855
Who Was Charlotte Brontë?
Charlotte Brontë wrote Jane Eyre, a groundbreaking novel of female independence and passionate love. She was one of three literary Brontë sisters who produced some of the finest Victorian fiction.
The Final Moments
Charlotte died while pregnant, likely from tuberculosis exacerbated by severe morning sickness. Her words were spoken to her husband Arthur Bell Nicholls, whom she had married less than a year before.
Are These Words Verified?
Charlotte's husband Arthur reported these words, which were subsequently recorded by Elizabeth Gaskell in her authorized 1857 biography written with family cooperation. The account is consistent across contemporary sources.
Sources
- firsthand Arthur Bell Nicholls (husband) firsthand account
- biography Elizabeth Gaskell, The Life of Charlotte Brontë
- archive Contemporary letters from Haworth parsonage
Legacy
Jane Eyre remains one of the most important feminist novels in English literature, with its declaration 'Reader, I married him' becoming iconic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Charlotte Brontë’s last words?
“Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.”
How did Charlotte Brontë die?
Charlotte Brontë died on March 31, 1855 at the age of 38. Cause of death: Tuberculosis (and complications from pregnancy).
Were Charlotte Brontë’s last words documented?
Charlotte's husband Arthur reported these words, which were subsequently recorded by Elizabeth Gaskell in her authorized 1857 biography written with family cooperation. The account is consistent across contemporary sources.
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