Emily Brontë (1818-1848) began crafting her iconic Gothic novel, Wuthering Heights, in 1845. Despite initial mixed reactions upon its 1847 release, it has since been lauded as a masterpiece and has sparked the creativity of countless artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers.
As a Gothic novel, Wuthering Heights delves into themes of phantoms and the supernatural, which were popular during the Victorian era. It embodies the essential elements of the genre, including eerie mansions, haunted graveyards, ghosts, the macabre, and the fantastic.
An intriguing aspect of Gothic literature is its use of the literary device known as "setting as a character." This means that the setting itself, such as a foreboding house or castle, is so evocative that it almost takes on a life of its own. This can be seen in works like Bram Stoker's Dracula and Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, as well as in the Netflix series Haunting of Hill House, which is based on Shirley Jackson's gothic novel of the same name. In the show, the house itself is almost a character, luring the family back to claim their lives.
Brontë's writing style blends elements of Romanticism and metaphysics, creating a unique combination. In her world, the supernatural is not separate from the natural, but an integral part of it. This gives Wuthering Heights a transcendent quality as it explores themes of chaos and unity within the universe and the natural world.
Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy, seeks to answer questions about existence and the universe. It is this philosophical perspective that sets Wuthering Heights apart from other gothic novels.
The novel has two primary narrators: Mr. Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, and Nelly Dean, the housekeeper at the Grange. Lockwood visits his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, at Wuthering Heights in 1801. However, after a cold and unwelcoming reception, he becomes snowed in and has a haunting experience in Catherine Earnshaw's former bedroom. This prompts him to ask Nelly Dean for more information about the enigmatic and melancholic inhabitants of Wuthering Heights.
Nelly Dean's narrative delves into the history of the two families involved: the Earnshaws, who owned Wuthering Heights, and the Lintons, the former owners of Thrushcross Grange. Mr. Earnshaw brings home a foundling named Heathcliff, who is accepted as part of the family by Mr. Earnshaw but is treated harshly by his son, Hindley. Hindley's sister, Catherine, forms a deep bond with Heathcliff, which becomes the foundation of the novel.
After a traumatic incident with the Linton family's dogs, Catherine is taken in by them and experiences a more refined and "civilized" lifestyle. When she returns to Wuthering Heights, she discovers that Heathcliff has become rough and withdrawn in her absence. Despite this, she remains emotionally connected to him, but also desires the social status and elegance that marriage to Edgar Linton would bring.
This leads to a heart-wrenching dilemma for Catherine as she must choose between her heart and her head. While Edgar seems to be the logical choice, her heart belongs to Heathcliff. However, she believes she cannot marry him due to his lower social status. Heathcliff overhears this and disappears into the night. This causes Catherine to fall into a deep illness that lasts for months.
Three years later, Heathcliff returns as a wealthy gentleman, while Catherine is married to Edgar and expecting their first child. Edgar's sister, Isabella, becomes infatuated with Heathcliff, much to Edgar's dismay. His jealousy and anger towards Catherine's continued friendship with Heathcliff only serve to drive her further away.
Ultimately, Wuthering Heights is a captivating and intricate novel that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the complex relationships between love, social status, and revenge. Its use of gothic elements and metaphysical themes elevates it to a level of literary greatness that continues to inspire and enthrall readers today.
Catherine, feeling hurt and angry, locks herself in her room and refuses to eat. During this time, Heathcliff runs away with Edgar's sister, Isabella, causing Edgar to disown her. As a result, Catherine's physical and mental health quickly deteriorate.
Heathcliff eventually discovers that Catherine is dying and secretly visits her to unburden his feelings. However, this only worsens Catherine's condition.
Nestled in the moors lies a haunting estate, shrouded in rumors and secrets. It is here that the tragic love story of Catherine and Heathcliff unfolds in Emily Brontë's renowned novel, Wuthering Heights. As we delve into the depths of this dark and brooding tale, the mysteries surrounding its characters and their otherworldly connections come to light.
Soon after the birth of her daughter, Cathy, Catherine passes away, leaving her husband Heathcliff in despair. In his grief, Heathcliff calls upon Catherine's ghost to haunt him for the rest of his days. Isabella, who eloped with Heathcliff and bore their son, Linton, dies, making Heathcliff the owner of Wuthering Heights. Years later, Edgar's death leads to Cathy's care for Linton, who is suffering from consumption. Heathcliff takes advantage of the bond between Cathy and Linton and manipulates their marriage. As the story progresses, we discover Heathcliff's confession of digging up Catherine's grave and being tormented by her ghost, which fuels his vengeful nature.
Brontë weaves a complex web of characters in her novel, each with their own motivations and desires. Mr. Lockwood, the tenant at Thrushcross Grange, provides the first account of the story, while Nellie Dean, the housekeeper, offers a deeper understanding of the lives of Catherine and Heathcliff. Among the main characters is Heathcliff, a foundling with a mysterious past and a bitter soul. Cathy Earnshaw, his childhood friend, shares an unbreakable bond with him, but when she marries Edgar Linton, she sets off a chain of events that leads to the tragic end of their story. Edgar Linton, the wealthy and refined neighbor, becomes entangled in the passionate and destructive relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff, ultimately becoming a mere pawn in their tumultuous game.
Upon its release, Wuthering Heights received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its depiction of violence and cruelty. However, as time went on, it gained recognition for its brooding atmosphere and imaginative storytelling. In fact, Lord David Cecil praised Brontë's work for its cosmic themes and complex characters, comparing her to renowned authors like William Blake and Thomas Hardy. He suggests that Brontë's intent was to showcase the struggles of humanity in relation to the forces of the cosmos, portrayed through the volatile relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, who embody the powerful and uncontrollable forces of nature.
The Stormy Love of Catherine and Heathcliff
Catherine and Heathcliff, as children of the storm, share a connection that defies conventional notions of love and hate. Their fiery and tumultuous relationship is a reflection of the turbulent nature of the moors, and their passion and longing for one another go beyond mortal existence. As Heathcliff's visions of Catherine become more frequent, his vengeful nature begins to soften, and in the end, even Nellie wonders if he has gone mad. But as Heathcliff finds peace in Catherine's old bedroom, a slight smile on his face, we are left to question whether his love for her was truly madness or a cosmic bond that transcended the boundaries of life and death.
In a moment of vulnerability, Catherine confesses to Nellie that she essentially is Heathcliff, and he is an indelible part of her very existence.
Through the pages of Wuthering Heights, Brontë presents her characters' actions without judgement, portraying them as mere fragments of the universe's energy. Just like energy, their destructive behaviors can be blocked and eventually must find a release.
It is often said that the central theme of the novel is revenge, but it is just one aspect of Brontë's grander plan to explore human behavior within the larger context of the universe. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of Wuthering Heights, we discover its Gothic essence, from the eerie houses and graveyards to the stormy moors and supernatural elements scattered throughout.
Wuthering Heights, a literary masterpiece of the 19th century, stands out for its unique blend of cosmic elements and metaphysical themes. Initially met with confusion and misunderstanding by readers, the novel was later recognized for its brilliance after Lord David Cecil's analysis in 1934.
So, who exactly wrote this enigmatic novel? None other than Emily Brontë, a talented writer who captured the imaginations of readers with her hauntingly beautiful prose.
But what is Wuthering Heights all about? At its core, the novel delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, and how it transcends even death itself.
Originally written in 1845, Wuthering Heights was published two years later in 1847. In the years since its release, the novel has captivated readers and solidified its place as a classic in English literature.
The fate of the brooding Heathcliff has always fascinated readers. How does he meet his end in Wuthering Heights? As his obsession with the deceased Catherine grows, Heathcliff becomes consumed by his visions and slowly wastes away. In the end, Nelly discovers his lifeless body in Catherine's old bedroom, with a peaceful smile on his face and his eyes forever open.
Despite its acclaim, Wuthering Heights has also faced controversy due to its raw portrayal of violence and cruelty. However, these intense elements only intensify the novel's power and depth, making it a must-read for any lover of Gothic literature.
Join us on a voyage through the mysterious and enticing realm of Wuthering Heights, and unlock the secrets behind its enduring appeal to readers of all ages.
