Description:
Candle usage in the Brontë novels is examined. Factors in the interpretation include the types of candles in use at the period, especially beeswax candles and tallow candles. Scientific principles are invoked in descriptions of the burning behaviour of the respective candle types. The practice of candle ‘snuffing’, which features several times in the novels, is explained. The need for economy in the use of candles is evident in two of the novels, and this is linked to the Candle Tax.