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The Professor

by Charlotte Brontë

The Professor

The Professor was Charlotte Brontë's first novel, written before Jane Eyre but rejected by publishers until after her death. The book tells the story of a young man named William Crimsworth, from his formative years to his appointment as a teacher at an all-girls school. The story is based upon Brontë’s experiences in school.

Source: Brontë, C. (1857). The Professor. London: Smith Elder and Co.

Preface
The preface to the novel.
Chapter 1: Introductory
The narrator introduces himself through a letter written to an old schoolmate. The letter tells of his decision to become a tradesman, as well as of meeting his brother and his brother's wife.
Chapter 2
William finds out what his responsibilities will be at this new trade. He also learns the boundaries of the relationship his brother is willing to have.
Chapter 3
William manages to get by on his small salary and some savings. His brother continues to treat him coldly, even when he attends a party at his home. William speaks with Mr. Hunsden.
Chapter 4
William considers his work as a tradesman, and is confronted by Mr. Hunsden.
Chapter 5
Edward confronts William.
Chapter 6
William and Mr. Hunsden meet again. They discuss what has happened and William's plans for the future.
Chapter 7
William travels to Belgium, where he discovers a new line of employment.
Chapter 8
William discusses Pelet, his mother, and a strange meeting with two women.
Chapter 9
William takes steps to secure his additional employment by meeting with Mademoiselle Reuter.
Chapter 10
William looks forward to his first day at the girls' school. He again meets with M. Reuter.
Chapter 11
William and M. Pelet discuss M. Reuter and the ladies of her school.
Chapter 12
A discussion of the various females he comes in contact with at the school. William overhears an important conversation.
Chapter 13
William reveals to M. Reuter that he overheard her conversation. The class has a new student, but the professor is unkind.
Chapter 14
William manages to get by on his small salary and some savings. His brother continues to treat him coldly, even when he attends a party at his home. William speaks with Mr. Hunsden.
Chapter 15
William learns more of his student, Mdlle. Henri, and decides his opinion of Mdlle. Reuter has changed.
Chapter 16
William finds that Mdlle. Henri possesses some talent, and he takes the time to tell her so, albeit in his own way.
Chapter 17
William learns more of Mdlle. Herni's past and her plans for the future.
Chapter 18
William's connection with his pupil grows, but she suddenly disappears. He questions Mdlle. Reuter about Mdlle. Henri.
Chapter 19
William seeks out his missing pupil, deciding that she is the woman destined to be his wife.
Chapter 20
William tries to find a way to earn a living sufficient for beginning a new life, but finds there are unexpected obstacles.
Chapter 21
Two letters arrive. William tries to work out a plan for employment.
Chapter 22
The marriage of Pelet and Reuter takes place. Hunsden pays a visit, and bestows a gift. The future begins to brighten for William.
Chapter 23
William decides to reveal his feelings to Frances.
Chapter 24
Hunsden returns and meets with William and Frances.
Chapter 25
William and Frances continue their married life together, with continued contact with Hunsden.
  • Year Published: 1857
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: United Kingdom
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 10.0
  • Word Count: 93,330
  • Genre: Romance
  • Keywords: https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/title/t/tp.html, love, maturity
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