Shirley is among the less known works of Charlotte Bronte.  At a time when women had considerably fewer options in deploying their energies and talents, Shirley is a strong character with attitude and resources.   I loved the ‘Pah to all that’ feeling in this statement.  You can see her in bonnet and silks, striding out ahead, sweeping petty expectations and projects to one side so that she may fulfil a bigger, brighter destiny.  

“I sweep your cobweb projects from my path, that I may pass on unsullied.”

Go, girl, go. 

Source: Charlotte Bronte, Shirley (London: Collins, 1968), p. 440

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