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Analysis of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on March 25, 2019 • ( 3 )

Wuthering Heights is constructed around a series of dialectic motifs that interconnect and unify the elements of setting, character, and plot. An examination of these motifs will give the reader the clearest insight into the central meaning of the novel. Although Wuthering Heights is a “classic,” as Frank Kermode has noted, precisely because it is open to many different critical methods and conducive to many levels of interpretation, the novel grows from a coherent imaginative vision that underlies all the motifs. That vision demonstrates that all human perception is limited and failed. The fullest approach to Emily Brontë’s novel is through the basic patterns that support this vision.

Wuthering Heights concerns the interactions of two families, the Earnshaws and Lintons, over three generations. The novel is set in the desolate moors of Yorkshire and covers the years from 1771 to 1803. The Earnshaws and Lintons are in harmony with their environment, but their lives are disrupted by an outsider and catalyst of change, the orphan Heathcliff. Heathcliff is, first of all, an emblem of the social problems of a nation entering the age of industrial expansion and urban growth. Although Brontë sets the action of the novel entirely within the locale familiar to her, she reminds the reader continually of the contrast between that world and the larger world outside.

Aside from Heathcliff’s background as a child of the streets and the description of urban Liverpool, from which he is brought, the novel contains other reminders that Yorkshire, long insulated from change and susceptible only to the forces of nature, is no longer as remote as it once was. The servant Joseph’s religious cant, the class distinctions obvious in the treatment of Nelly Dean as well as of Heathcliff, and Lockwood’s pseudosophisticated urban values are all reminders that Wuthering Heights cannot remain as it has been, that religious, social, and economic change is rampant. Brontë clearly signifies in the courtship and marriage of young Cathy and Hareton that progress and enlightenment will come and the wilderness will be tamed. Heathcliff is both an embodiment of the force of this change and its victim. He brings about a change but cannot change himself. What he leaves behind, as Lockwood attests and the relationship of Cathy and Hareton verifies, is a new society, at peace with itself and its environment.

It is not necessary, however, to examine in depth the Victorian context of Wuthering Height s to sense the dialectic contrast of environments. Within the limited setting that the novel itself describes, society is divided between two opposing worlds: Wuthering Heights, ancestral home of the Earnshaws, and Thrushcross Grange, the Linton estate. Wuthering Heights is rustic and wild; it is open to the elements of nature and takes its name from “atmospheric tumult.” The house is strong, built with narrow windows and jutting cornerstones, fortified to withstand the battering of external forces. It is identified with the outdoors and nature and with strong, “masculine” values. Its appearance, both inside and out, is wild, untamed, disordered, and hard. The Grange expresses a more civilized, controlled atmosphere. The house is neat and orderly, and there is always an abundance of light—to Brontë’s mind, “feminine” values. It is not surprising that Lockwood is more comfortable at the Grange, since he takes pleasure in “feminine” behavior (gossip, vanity of appearance, adherence to social decorum, romantic self-delusion), while Heathcliff, entirely “masculine,” is always out of place there.

Even Cathy’s passionate cry for Heathcliff, “Nelly, I am Heathcliff,” is less love for him as an individual than the deepest form of self-love. Cathy cannot exist without him, but a meaningful relationship is not possible because Cathy sees Heathcliff only as a reflection of herself. Heathcliff, too, has denied an important aspect of his personality. Archetypally masculine, Heathcliff acts out only the aggressive, violent parts of himself.

The settings and the characters are patterned against each other, and explosions are the only possible results. Only Hareton and young Cathy, each of whom embodies the psychological characteristics of both Heights and Grange, can successfully sustain a mutual relationship.

This dialectic structure extends into the roles of the narrators as well. The story is reflected through the words of Nelly Dean—an inmate of both houses, a participant in the events of the narrative, and a confidant of the major characters—and Lockwood, an outsider who witnesses only the results of the characters’ interactions. Nelly is a companion and servant in the Earnshaw and Linton households, and she shares many of the values and perceptions of the families. Lockwood, an urban sophisticate on retreat, misunderstands his own character as well as the characters of others. His brief romantic “adventure” in Bath and his awkwardness when he arrives at the Heights (he thinks Cathy will fall in love with him; he mistakes the dead rabbits for puppies) exemplify his obtuseness. His perceptions are always to be questioned. Occasionally, however, even a denizen of the conventional world may gain a glimpse of the forces at work beneath the surface of reality. Lockwood’s dream of the dead Cathy, which sets off his curiosity and Heathcliff’s final plans, is a reminder that even the placid, normal world may be disrupted by the psychic violence of a willful personality.

The presentation of two family units and parallel brother-sister, husband-wife relationships in each also emphasizes the dialectic. That two such opposing modes of behavior could arise in the same environment prevents the reader from easy condemnation of either pair. The use of flashback for the major part of the narration—it begins in medias res—reminds the reader that he or she is seeing events out of their natural order, recounted by two individuals whose reliability must be questioned. The working out of the plot over three generations further suggests that no one group, much less one individual, can perceive the complexity of the human personality.

Taken together, the setting, plot, characters, and structure combine into a whole when they are seen as parts of the dialectic nature of existence. In a world where opposing forces are continually arrayed against each other in the environment, in society, in families, and in relationships, as well as within the individual, there can be no easy route to perception of another human soul. Wuthering Heights convincingly demonstrates the complexity of this dialectic and portrays the limitations of human perception.

Bibliography Barnard, Robert. Emily Brontë. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Benvenuto, Richard. Emily Brontë. Boston: Twayne, 1982. Berg, Maggie. “Wuthering Heights”: The Writing in the Margin. New York: Twayne, 1996. Davies, Stevie. Emily Brontë: Heretic. London: Women’s Press, 1994. Frank, Katherine. A Chainless Soul: A Life of Emily Brontë. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990. Glen, Heather, ed. The Cambridge Companion to the Brontës. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Liddell, Robert. Twin Spirits: The Novels of Emily and Anne Brontë. London: Peter Owen, 1990. Miller, Lucasta. The Brontë Myth. London: Jonathan Cape, 2001. Pykett, Lyn. Emily Brontë. Savage, Md.: Barnes & Noble, 1989. Rollyson, Carl, and Lisa Paddock. The Brontës A to Z: The Essential Reference to Their Lives and Work. New York: Facts On File, 2003. Vine, Steve. Emily Brontë. New York: Twayne, 1998. Winnifrith, Tom, ed. Critical Essays on Emily Brontë. NewYork: G. K. Hall, 1997.

Major works Poetry: Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, 1846 (with Charlotte Brontë and Anne Brontë); The Complete Poems of Emily Jane Brontë, 1941 (C. W. Hatfield, editor); Gondal’s Queen: A Novel in Verse by Emily Jane Brontë, 1955 (Fannie E. Ratchford, editor). Nonfiction : Five Essays Written in French, 1948 (Lorine White Nagel, translator); The Brontë Letters, 1954 (Muriel Spark, editor).

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I found it very informative. Representation of the two worlds is amazing. Thanks a lot.

VERY NICE;I LIKED THE WAY OF ANALYSIS OF WHOLE NOVEL AND DESCRIBE EVERY THING,

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte | Summary, Setting & Analysis

“Wuthering Heights” is a classic novel written by Emily Bronte. It is renowned for its intense portrayal of love, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this timeless piece of literature, including its summary, setting, and analysis.

Table of Contents

Emily Bronte, born in 1818, was an English novelist and poet. She, along with her sisters Charlotte and Anne Bronte, is best known for her contribution to English literature. Emily’s only novel, “Wuthering Heights,” was published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell.

Overview of the Plot

The narrative of “Wuthering Heights” revolves around the passionate yet destructive love story between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The novel is set in the harsh Yorkshire moors and spans several decades, depicting the lives of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.

Introduction to Characters

Key characters include Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by the Earnshaw family; Catherine Earnshaw, Heathcliff’s childhood friend and love interest; Edgar Linton, Catherine’s husband; and Nelly Dean, the housekeeper and narrator of the story.

Physical Setting

The novel is primarily set in two neighboring houses: Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. The former is depicted as a dark, gloomy mansion on the Yorkshire moors, while the latter represents a more refined and civilized environment.

Historical Setting

“Wuthering Heights” is set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England, a time marked by social and economic upheaval. The novel reflects the rigid class structure and societal norms of the period.

Themes Explored

Love and revenge.

At its core, “Wuthering Heights” explores the destructive power of love and the desire for revenge. The tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine drives much of the plot, as their love becomes entangled with themes of jealousy, betrayal, and vengeance.

Social Class

The novel also delves into the theme of social class, highlighting the divisions and tensions between the characters from different backgrounds. Heathcliff’s rise from poverty to wealth underscores the fluidity of class distinctions and the complexities of social hierarchy.

Nature vs. Culture

The rugged landscape of the Yorkshire moors serves as a powerful backdrop for the story, emphasizing the contrast between the untamed forces of nature and the constraints of human civilization.

Analysis of Characters

Heathcliff is a complex and enigmatic character whose dark and brooding nature captivates readers. His intense love for Catherine is overshadowed by his thirst for revenge, making him one of literature’s most compelling antiheroes.

Catherine Earnshaw

Catherine Earnshaw is portrayed as a spirited and passionate young woman torn between her love for Heathcliff and her desire for social status. Her tragic fate reflects the novel’s exploration of the destructive effects of societal expectations on individual happiness.

Edgar Linton

Edgar Linton represents the opposite of Heathcliff, embodying the refined manners and social status prized by Victorian society. Despite his gentleness and kindness, he is ultimately unable to compete with Heathcliff for Catherine’s affections.

Nelly Dean serves as the primary narrator of the story, providing insight into the lives of the characters and the events that unfold at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Her perspective offers a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships within the novel.

Narrative Structure

Framing device.

“Wuthering Heights” is structured as a series of nested narratives, with the story being recounted by multiple characters. This framing device adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to see events from different perspectives.

Multiple Perspectives

The use of multiple narrators in the novel allows for a rich and multifaceted exploration of the characters and their motivations. Each narrator brings their own biases and interpretations to the story, adding layers of complexity to the overall narrative.

Symbolism in “Wuthering Heights”

The weather in “Wuthering Heights” often mirrors the emotional states of the characters, with storms and tempests reflecting their inner turmoil. The harsh and unforgiving landscape of the moors serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous relationships depicted in the novel.

The houses of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange are symbolic of the characters who inhabit them. Wuthering Heights represents passion, wildness, and untamed nature, while Thrushcross Grange symbolizes civility, refinement, and social order.

Writing Style and Language

Gothic elements.

“Wuthering Heights” is characterized by its Gothic elements, including themes of madness, the supernatural, and the macabre. The novel’s dark and atmospheric prose creates a sense of unease and foreboding, adding to its haunting appeal.

Psychological Depth

Bronte’s exploration of the inner workings of the human psyche adds a layer of psychological depth to the novel. The characters’ inner thoughts and emotions are laid bare, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and motivations.

Critical Reception

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its publication, “Wuthering Heights” has since been recognized as a literary masterpiece. Its unconventional narrative structure, complex characters, and powerful themes have cemented its place in the canon of English literature.

Influence and Legacy

“Wuthering Heights” has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers and artists. Its themes of love, revenge, and redemption continue to resonate with readers around the world, ensuring its enduring legacy.

Comparisons with Other Works

“Wuthering Heights” is often compared to other works of Gothic literature, such as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Its exploration of dark and taboo subjects sets it apart from more conventional Victorian novels.

Film Adaptations

Numerous film adaptations of “Wuthering Heights” have been produced over the years, with directors seeking to capture the novel’s haunting atmosphere and complex characters on screen. Notable adaptations include the 1939 film starring Laurence Olivier and the 2011 version directed by Andrea Arnold.

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“Wuthering Heights” continues to captivate readers with its timeless tale of love, revenge, and redemption. Emily Bronte’s masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters ensure that the novel remains a classic of English literature.

Is “Wuthering Heights” based on a true story?

No, “Wuthering Heights” is a work of fiction, although it may have been inspired by elements of Emily Bronte’s own life and experiences.

Why is “Wuthering Heights” considered a Gothic novel?

The novel features many elements typical of Gothic literature, including a dark and foreboding atmosphere, supernatural occurrences, and themes of madness and obsession.

What is the significance of the title “Wuthering Heights”?

The term “wuthering” refers to the fierce winds that often blow across the Yorkshire moors, emphasizing the wild and untamed nature of the setting.

Why did Emily Bronte use a male pseudonym for “Wuthering Heights”?

During the 19th century, it was common for female authors to use male or gender-neutral pen names to avoid gender bias and discrimination in the publishing industry.

What is the legacy of “Wuthering Heights” in popular culture?

“Wuthering Heights” has inspired countless adaptations in various media, including film, television, and music. Its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Wuthering Heights Essays

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Wuthering Heights Essays

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Wuthering Heights Essay

Wuthering Heights is a book by Emily Bronte. It is a story of love and revenge, and is set on the Yorkshire moors. Wuthering Heights is often seen as a classic novel, and is widely studied in schools.

Wuthering Heights is a book by Emily Bronte. It was published in 1847, and is generally considered to be her masterpiece. The story is set on the Yorkshire moors, and tells the tale of love and revenge. Wuthering Heights is now seen as a classic novel, and is still studied by students all over the world. Emily Bronte is considered to be one of the greatest English authors of all time.

If you’re looking for a great book to read, then Wuthering Heights is definitely worth a look. It’s a complex story, but it’s well worth the effort. Emily Bronte is an excellent author, and Wuthering Heights is sure to captivate you from beginning to end. So if you’re looking for something exciting and engrossing, be sure to check out Wuthering Heights! You won’t regret it.

Wuthering Heights is the tragic story of Heathcliff, an orphaned boy who becomes obsessed with Catherine Earnshaw and her wealthy guardian.

Wuthering Heights is a book that you can’t help but be pulled into, with its powerful descriptions of the bleak Yorkshire moors and the passionate characters who inhabit them.

Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights when she was just nineteen years old, and the book is considered to be one of the most original and accomplished of all Victorian novels. Wuthering Heights has been banned, admired, dissected, and adapted countless times, and it still remains one of the most loved – and most hated – books in the world. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end, Wuthering Heights is definitely it. So if you’re ready to be taken on a dark and twisting journey, then buckle up and prepare to read Wuthering Heights.

The love between Catherine and Hareton Hindley’s son, which is a more delicate and kind version of the love between Cathy and Heathcliff, is poised to have a happy conclusion.

Wuthering Heights is a story of love and revenge, and tells the tale of two families, the Earnshaws and the Lintons. The love that develops between young Catherine and Hindley’s son, Hareton, is a paler and gentler version of the love between Cathy and Heathcliff, and it’s poised for a happy ending. However, Heathcliff returns after many years away, seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. Wuthering Heights is a rich and dark novel, full of passion and violence.

Although Heathcliff still loves as fiercely as he once loved Cathy, his actions are now driven by a thirst for vengeance. He resorts to exacting some form of retribution from everyone who, in his opinion, has wronged him: Hindley (and his descendants) for mistreating him, and the Lintons (Edgar and Isabella) for taking Cathy away from him.

Wuthering Heights is a novel of passion, mystery, and revenge. It tells the story of two families, the Earnshaws and the Lintons, who live on opposite sides of Wuthering Heights, an isolated house on the Yorkshire moors. The Earnshaws are a poor family; the Lintons are wealthy landowners.

Heathcliff, an orphan brought up by Hindley Earnshaw, falls in love with Cathy Linton and they run away together. When Cathy returns to Wuthering Heights after four years away, she finds that she is now married to Edgar Linton. Heathcliff plots to destroy his rival and take Cathy back for himself. Wuthering Heights is a story of unrequited love, passion, and revenge.

The novel was written by Emily Bronte, who was born in 1818 and died in 1848, shortly after Wuthering Heights was published. It is one of three novels she wrote (the other two are The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey), but it is the only one that was published during her lifetime. Wuthering Heights is considered to be a classic of English literature. It has been adapted for stage, television, and film many times.

Some famous adaptations include Wuthering Heights (1939), starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon; Wuthering Heights (1970), starring Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall; Wuthering Heights (1992), starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche; and Wuthering Heights (2009), a three-part television adaptation starring Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley.

The central theme of the book is the dualism of good and evil. She has emphasized this area through piety, love, vengeance, and obsession. At first, there appears to be a leaning toward either goodness or evil among various figures.

Heathcliff, for example, represents the dark side of human nature with his anger, jealousy, and thirst for revenge. On the other hand, Catherine Earnshaw is a good person with strong morals. However, as the novel progresses, Heathcliff manages to corrupt Cathy and Edgar Linton, making them just as wicked as he is. Wuthering Heights is a story about the fall of man and how evil can take over when people give in to their desires. Bronte has shown how good can eventually overcome evil if people are willing to fight for it.

Wuthering Heights contains a number of prominent themes, including revenge and justice, which represent significant experiences, personality flaws, and the path of devastation. Heathcliff starts his existence in Wuthering Heights with an open heart but grows enraged after being mistreated by Edgar and Hindley.

Wuthering Heights is a novel about passionate love, cruel revenge, and the power of nature to erode human happiness. Wuthering Heights is a novel full of passion and emotion. The characters in the novel are motivated by intense feelings such as love, hate, jealousy, and vengeance. Emily Bronte has written Wuthering Heights as if it were a poem. This makes the story more powerful and moving.

The language is descriptive and lyrical which helps to set the mood for the reader. Wuthering Heights is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by readers for many years. It is a must-read for all fans of romance and mystery. Wuthering Heights will leave you with a feeling of sadness and happiness all at the same time. It is a beautiful story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Wuthering Heights — Reading Wuthering Heights Through Psychoanalysis Theory

Analysis of Wuthering Heights Through Freud’s Personality Theory

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Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 1511 | Pages: 3.5 | 8 min read

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Introduction, wuthering heights psychological analysis: id, ego, and super ego, heathcliff - id, edgar linton - super ego, catherine earnshaw - ego.

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What you Need to Know about Wuthering Heights

This essay about Heathcliff as a Byronic hero in Emily Brontë’s *Wuthering Heights* explores how the character exemplifies the qualities associated with this literary archetype. Heathcliff’s mysterious origins, dark persona, intense passion, and intelligence define his role within the narrative. His deep and tumultuous love for Catherine Earnshaw and his subsequent drive for revenge against perceived wrongs illustrate key Byronic traits such as a troubled past and a disdain for societal norms. The essay discusses Heathcliff’s complex relationships and strategic manipulations that disrupt the social order, highlighting his emotional depth and vulnerability which evoke both empathy and condemnation from the reader. Through Heathcliff, Brontë engages with Romantic themes of melancholy and the sublime, presenting a character who is both compelling and repellant, ultimately underscoring the enduring appeal of the Byronic hero in literature.

How it works

In Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights , the persona of Heathcliff epitomizes the archetype of the Byronic protagonist, a literary persona distinguished by intricacy, shadow, and profundity. Conceived by the Romantic bard Lord Byron, the Byronic protagonist typically manifests characteristics such as a tumultuous history, hubris, profound intellect, a disdain for societal constructs and conventions, profound emotional capacities, and a proclivity toward self-destructive conduct. Heathcliff’s portrayal in Brontë’s novel not only functions as a pivotal catalyst of the storyline but also embarks on a profound exploration into the psychological and emotional facets of such a persona.

The origins of Heathcliff remain enigmatic; he is introduced as a dusky-hued vagabond in appearance, an orphan embraced into the Earnshaw family, thereby laying the groundwork for his outcast status. This enigma surrounding his past is a recurring trait in Byronic protagonists, who frequently possess ambiguous or enigmatic beginnings. His assimilation into the Earnshaw household unravels his intricate associations with the other characters in the narrative, especially Catherine Earnshaw. Heathcliff’s affection for Catherine is profound and overwhelming, yet it is also ruinous, showcasing another characteristic of the Byronic archetype: the capacity for profound but doomed ardor.

Throughout the tale, Heathcliff’s deeds exhibit the quintessential attributes of a Byronic protagonist. His acumen and guile are conspicuous in his manipulation of the Linton and Earnshaw clans to seize control of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Nonetheless, these endeavors are not spurred solely by avarice but by a thirst for retribution against those he perceives have slighted him—another hallmark of the Byronic protagonist’s demeanor, where personal vendettas often propel their motivations. This pursuit of vengeance stems from his mistreatment by Hindley Earnshaw and his perceived betrayal by Catherine, who weds Edgar Linton instead of him, conforming to societal norms rather than personal inclination.

Despite his ostensibly malevolent traits, Heathcliff’s persona evokes sympathy. Brontë adeptly unveils the depths of his anguish, his enduring affection for Catherine, and his susceptibility, which convolute a straightforward denouncement of his actions. This emotional intricacy and internal conflict are central to the Byronic protagonist’s allure; they are flawed, frequently profoundly, but not irrevocably so. Heathcliff’s inner turmoil and external conflicts propel the narrative’s dramatic tension, furnishing a somber counterpoint to the more restrained Victorian character archetypes.

In summation, Heathcliff as a Byronic protagonist in Wuthering Heights furnishes a profound examination in contradictions and intricacies. He disrupts the societal hierarchy and contests the traditions of his era through his intensity and rebellious demeanor. Emily Brontë’s portrayal of Heathcliff addresses the Romantic captivation with sorrow and the majestic, positioning him as a persona that both captivates and repulses. His enduring influence on the literary realm underscores the potency of the Byronic protagonist to provoke contemplation and evoke profound emotional reactions, rendering Heathcliff one of English literature’s most indelible personages.

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