Public talk: The Afflicted Imagination: The Brontës as Gothic Writers by Dr James Quinnell
Thursday 19 June, 7pm-8.30pm at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth
Chilworth Abbey’s Cultural Conversations: Mornings & Evenings of Enrichment
presents:
The Afflicted Imagination: The Brontës as Gothic Writers
A lecture with readings by Dr James Quinnell at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth
Step into the darker shadows of 19th Century literature as Dr James Quinnell explores the Brontë sisters through the lens of Gothic fiction. This illuminating talk, with selected readings from the Brontës' works, reveals a lesser known aspect of their writing—one shaped by Romantic influences, psychological depth and Gothic imagination.
Whether you're well acquainted with Charlotte, Emily and Anne or new to their world, this evening promises fresh insight and inspiration. Discover how their writing opens a compelling, often unsettling, window into human experience, creativity and the 19th Century soul.
About our Speaker:
Dr James Quinnell is Head of English at Farnborough Hill, a girls’ independent senior school in Hampshire. His interest in the Brontës began with Wuthering Heights as an undergraduate, deepened through doctoral research into Emily’s poetry at Durham University and culminated in his newly published book The Brontës as Gothic Writers: The Afflicted Imagination (University of Wales Press, 2025). James has published widely in academic journals and recently contributed to The Edinburgh Companion to the Brontës and the Arts (Edinburgh University Press, 2024). He balances his research and writing with teaching and family life, raising three young children.
Date & Time: Thursday 19 June 2025, 7pm-8.30pm (join the monks for Compline from 8.30pm-8.50pm)*
Venue for the talk: The Assisi Room, at the rear of St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth, near Guildford
Tickets: £10 (booking fee applies) — Advance booking essential (no tickets available on the door)
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours, including a break for a sociable, free glass of wine
Capacity: Only 30 places available — book early to avoid disappointment
BOOK HERE NOW
JOIN OUR WAITING LIST if we are fully booked
*(Please note: immediately after the talk at 8.30pm, you are welcome to attend the prayerfully uplifting Divine Office of Compline in the Abbey Church with the monks. This last of each day prayer lasts 20 minutes and is sung by the monks' in their 1,500 year tradition of ancient Gregorian Chant, concluded with a Holy Water Blessing for all present by Fr Abbot)
All proceeds from the talk will support the Benedictine monks and their valuable work.
If you'd like to make a donation to the monastery, please kindly do so at the checkout. Thank you.
WITH MANY THANKS to Dr James Quinnell and the organisers of this event.
Image credit: Branwell Brontë, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Chilworth Abbey’s Cultural Conversations: Mornings & Evenings of Enrichment
More enriching events in this series taking place at the monastery:
Discover Indigenous Spirituality – A special study morning with Sheila Longman: Saturday 6 September 2025, 10am - 12 noon: find out more and book here
- Mysteries of the Metaphysicals – A poetry evening: Thursday 25 September 2025, 7.30pm-9pm: find out more and book here
St Augustine's Abbey, Sample Oak Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8QR - a living Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery
How to find us: https://www.chilworthbenedictines.com/find-us
