When we experience the death of someone dearly loved we go through significant personal change. We are confronted with the loss of identity which has been built intertwined with our loved one. This loss shakes the foundations on which our personal security and life’s stability are built. The loss forces the examination of values and priorities held on what is meaningful in our lives. As our loved one is not longer physically present we focus on the spiritual, transcending the physical. Our thought, emotions, and spirits deepen while at the same time are always directly under our thin skins ready for immediate awakening.

Charlotte Bronte lost her brother and two sisters right before writing Villette. Through the character of Lucy Snowe, Charlotte explores personal identity and stability, delves into the question of what is meaningful in life, and makes a deep spiritual journey. The beautiful writing combined with her emotional and spiritual passion makes Villette a truly great book. I though Jane Eyre should be considered when constructing a list of the Canon of Western Literature. Villette should definitely be on such a list!