The Wealth of William Crimsworth - Essay Example

The story of their work and life together in the last chapter of The Professor is as inspirational as it is sad, inspirational as an exhortation to others, and sad that so few have such meaningful relationships.
The relationship between William and Frances is rooted in mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose in life, as well as a love of learning. Shortly after making his proposal of marriage to Frances, William suggested she quit her job and occupy herself at home, to which she demurred saying: "…people who are only in each other's company for amusement, never really like each other so well, or esteem each other so highly, as those who work together, and perhaps suffer together. You speak God's truth, said I at last…" (Bronte, 122).
Perhaps this quote strikes true to the mark for the reader who feels disconnected or lacking in a sense of belonging. Perhaps what is missing today is a cause of action worthy of struggle and self-deprivation and a fitting companion with whom to make the journey.
Having previously warned her husband-to-be of her philosophy, it came as no shock that a short while after they were married, she proposed to start an academy for girls, to which he agreed wholeheartedly. She included him in the effort, asking of him one hour each day: "daily exacted of me for her establishment, and with which she would not dispense. She said that I must spend that time amongst her pupils to learn their characters, to be AU COURANT with everything that was passing in the house, to become interested in what interested her, to be able to give her my opinion…" (Bronte, 136).
William was happy to give, of course, what professor is not willing to answer questions?  His wife desired that he feel a sense of belonging in her school and be connected to it, which he was happy to give to her. Theirs was a rich and rewarding relationship, each respectful and loving toward the other; each willing to provide what the other needed. Yet they had friends as well, friends of such quality that they could discuss their financial details: "as soon as we had the capital to invest, two well-skilled counselors, one in Belgium, one in England, viz. Vandenhuten and Hunsden, gave us each a word of advice as to the sort of investment to be chosen" (Bronte, 138).
Hunsden, a brash, opinionated adventurer, is the perfect foil to display the quiet strength and reserve of William, The Professor. Yet, within this relationship are several nuances of interest, with a strong theme of intellectualism. Frances and Hunsden began their relationship in debate, and have not stopped since. Never overly hostile, the reader seems to sense a genuine affection in Frances toward Hunsden, although an affection well seasoned with caution.  However, it is the intellectual theme that ties the relationships together, given the strong intellectual bent of all the principal characters. The marketplace of ideas and concepts truly belongs to the world, and borders are only enforced in this world by the limitations of language. Hunsden’s choices in friends and companions are also an issue, modeling an intellectual world of ideas and concepts.
William hailed originally from  England and Frances, from Switzerland. They found themselves together in Brussels, with the dream that one day they could take time to themselves and move to England. William felt a sense of belonging to his shire, the place of his birth and boyhood.