Fierce Courtship: Animal Judgement in Charlotte Brontë’s Shirley

Abstract

Abstract This article considers how Tartar serves as a unique type of guard dog in Charlotte Brontë’s Shirley. While we expect guard dogs to ward off burglars, Tartar uses protective fierceness to fortify Shirley’s home and body from unsought romantic invasions, necessary given her gender positioning. Sometimes Tartar’s judgement aligns with Shirley’s wishes, as when he helps to forcefully remove the insufferable Mr Donne from Shirley’s property. However, Tartar’s high valuation of Shirley’s eventual husband, Louis, while the heiress still resents the tutor reveals Tartar’s agency as he guides Shirley’s choices like a respected father. Once Tartar helps to bring Shirley and Louis together, Louis can then take over the paternal role of guardian. Brontë’s animals shape the marriage plot, allowing Tartar a powerful role within the text.