Book Review – 59 – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Book Review – 59 – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Title: Wuthering Heights. Author: Emily Brontë. Publication Details: First published in 1847 under the pseudonym "Ellis Bell" by Thomas Cautley Newby. Genre: Gothic Fiction.

Introduction

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a powerful and evocative novel that continues to captivate readers more than a century and a half after its initial publication. As Brontë's only novel, it showcases her remarkable ability to weave a dark, atmospheric tale that delves into the complexities of human emotion and morality. Set against the desolate yet mesmerizing backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights is a profound exploration of love, obsession, revenge and the human spirit's enduring resilience.

The novel was initially published in 1847 under the pseudonym "Ellis Bell," as women writers of the Victorian era often faced societal prejudices. Upon its release, Wuthering Heights received mixed reviews, with some critics finding its intense and unconventional portrayal of relationships shocking and unsettling. Its raw depiction of the darker sides of human nature— through themes of passion, hatred and vengeance— challenged the moral and social conventions of the time.

Although initially met with mixed reviews, Wuthering Heights has firmly established itself as one of the greatest works in English literature. Its impact extends beyond the literary world, inspiring countless adaptations in film, theater and music. Today, it is celebrated for its narrative ingenuity, distinctive structure and the unforgettable character of Heathcliff, whose relentless quest for love and revenge captivates readers. Brontë’s daring and innovative storytelling immerses readers in the moral and emotional complexities of her characters, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

Summary of the Plot

Wuthering Heights unfolds across two generations, chronicling the intertwined fates of the Earnshaw and Linton families. The story begins with Mr. Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, visiting Wuthering Heights and encountering its enigmatic inhabitants. Through his housekeeper, Nelly Dean, Mr. Lockwood learns the dark and tragic history of the two families.

The tale begins with Mr. Earnshaw, the patriarch of Wuthering Heights, who adopts a young orphan, Heathcliff and brings him into the family. Heathcliff’s arrival disrupts the household dynamics, as Hindley, Mr. Earnshaw’s son, resents the attention given to the new boy. Catherine, Mr. Earnshaw’s spirited daughter, forms an intense bond with Heathcliff, resulting in a deep but volatile relationship.

After Mr. Earnshaw's death, Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights and subjects Heathcliff to cruelty and degradation, relegating him to the role of a servant. Despite this, Heathcliff and Catherine's relationship flourishes, albeit in a tumultuous and destructive manner. Their bond is tested when Catherine chooses to marry Edgar Linton, a refined and wealthy neighbor, for social standing. This decision devastates Heathcliff, who disappears for several years and returns as a wealthy yet vengeful man.

Heathcliff’s return sets off a chain of events driven by his desire for revenge. He manipulates Hindley, reduces him to ruin and gains control of Wuthering Heights. His vendetta extends to the Linton family, as he marries Edgar’s sister, Isabella, to spite Catherine. The obsessive and toxic love between Catherine and Heathcliff reaches its tragic peak when Catherine falls ill and dies shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Cathy. Catherine’s death leaves Heathcliff consumed by grief and rage, unable to move on from her memory.

The narrative then shifts to the second generation, focusing on the children of the first. Cathy, Edgar’s daughter, is raised in the protective environment of Thrushcross Grange, shielded from the turmoil of Wuthering Heights. Meanwhile, Hindley’s son, Hareton, is raised under Heathcliff’s oppressive influence at Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff’s cruelty and manipulation persist as he seeks to dominate the lives of the younger generation, including his own son, Linton, whom he uses as a pawn in his schemes.

As the younger generation matures, Cathy and Hareton’s relationship offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Unlike their predecessors, they begin to break free from the cycle of hatred and revenge that has plagued their families. Cathy’s kindness and resilience transform Hareton, and their budding love symbolizes the possibility of redemption and healing.

In the end, Heathcliff’s obsessive drive for vengeance diminishes as he becomes haunted by Catherine’s memory. His death marks the end of his reign of terror and with his passing, peace finally returns to Wuthering Heights. Cathy and Hareton’s union suggest a brighter future, unburdened by the sins of the past. The novel concludes with a sense of closure, as the moors once again become a place of quiet beauty, bearing witness to the enduring cycle of life and renewal.

Through its intricate plot and deeply flawed characters, Wuthering Heights captures the extremes of human emotion, leaving readers both unsettled and moved by its tragic beauty.

Analysis of Themes

Love and Obsession: The theme of love in Wuthering Heights is far from conventional or romantic in the traditional sense. At its core lies Heathcliff’s obsessive and all-consuming love for Catherine, which transcends the boundaries of life and death. Their relationship, often described as a union of souls, is rooted in intense passion but marred by destructive tendencies. Catherine declares, “I am Heathcliff,” symbolizing their inseparable identities. However, their love is far from idealized; it is toxic, selfish and ultimately destructive, as it causes suffering not only to themselves but also to everyone around them. Brontë masterfully explores the darker facets of love, highlighting how it can turn into an unhealthy obsession that eclipses rationality and morality. The notion of love as a force beyond reason or societal constraints gives the novel its haunting power, but it also underscores its tragedy.

Revenge and Its Consequences: Revenge is a driving force in Wuthering Heights, particularly through Heathcliff’s character. Consumed by resentment over the mistreatment he endured as a child and Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar, Heathcliff dedicates his life to vengeance. His quest for retribution permeates every aspect of the story, from his manipulation of Hindley and Isabella to his domination of the second generation. Heathcliff’s vindictive actions devastate both the Earnshaw and Linton families, illustrating how revenge breeds further misery and perpetuates a cycle of hatred. Yet, as Heathcliff nears the end of his life, his vengeance loses its appeal, leaving him haunted and empty. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of holding onto hatred and the futility of vengeance as a means of solace.

Nature vs. Civilization: The contrast between the untamed wilderness of the moors and the structured elegance of Thrushcross Grange reflects the tension between nature and civilization. Wuthering Heights, set amid the wild, windswept moors, embodies raw emotion, freedom and primal instincts, while Thrushcross Grange represents order, refinement and societal expectations. Characters associated with the Heights, such as Heathcliff and Catherine, are wild and passionate, unrestrained by conventional morality. In contrast, the Lintons, tied to the Grange, epitomize politeness and decorum. This juxtaposition reveals Brontë’s exploration of the struggle between individual desires and societal norms, and how the attempt to suppress one’s natural instincts can lead to inner conflict and tragedy.

Social Class: Through the interactions and struggles between characters of varying social positions, Brontë critiques the rigid class structures of Victorian society. Heathcliff’s rejection as an orphan with mysterious origins highlights the prejudices of the time, even as he accumulates wealth. Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar Linton for status rather than follow her heart with Heathcliff reveals the cost of adhering to societal norms. The novel explores the harm caused by placing class and societal expectations above genuine connections. By illustrating Heathcliff’s rise and Cathy’s acceptance of Hareton, Brontë questions the legitimacy of such hierarchies and champions the idea that love and redemption can overcome artificial barriers.

Style and Structure

1. Narrative Style

The narrative structure of Wuthering Heights is layered and unconventional, with Mr. Lockwood and Nelly Dean acting as the primary narrators. This dual perspective introduces complexity, as readers receive second-hand accounts that are shaped by the narrators’ viewpoints. Nelly Dean, though attentive to detail, injects her personal biases and judgments, subtly altering how events and characters are presented. Mr. Lockwood, as an outsider, adds a sense of curiosity and detachment, further distancing the reader from the core events. This fragmented approach enhances the mystery of the story and invites readers to actively piece together its intricacies.

2. Language and Tone

Brontë’s language is richly descriptive and evocative, bringing the bleak and turbulent Yorkshire moors to life. The imagery of the natural world mirrors the characters’ emotions, from the stormy passion of Heathcliff and Catherine to the moments of serenity and hope associated with Cathy and Hareton. The tone of the novel alternates between gothic darkness and lyrical beauty, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion. Brontë’s use of language intensifies the novel’s atmosphere, immersing readers in the wild, untamed spirit of the story. The dialogues, too, reflect the personalities of the characters, ranging from Heathcliff’s fierce and vengeful outbursts to Edgar’s composed and refined speech.

Critical Evaluation

1. Strengths

Complex Characters: Brontë’s characters are deeply complex, blending moral ambiguity with psychological depth, which makes them simultaneously relatable and mysterious. Heathcliff, in particular, transcends traditional labels of hero or villain, embodying both vulnerability and cruelty. This layered portrayal encourages readers to connect with the characters’ struggles while contending with their imperfections.

Atmospheric Setting: The Yorkshire moors serve as more than just a backdrop; they become a character in their own right, reflecting the wildness and intensity of the story. The setting enhances the novel’s gothic tone and adds to its immersive quality.

Timeless Themes: The exploration of love, revenge and redemption resonates across generations, ensuring the novel’s enduring appeal. Brontë’s unflinching portrayal of human emotions and relationships makes Wuthering Heights a universal and timeless work.

2. Weaknesses

Fragmented Narration: The novel’s layered narrative style, while intriguing, can be confusing for some readers. The constant shifts between narrators and time periods may obscure the central story, requiring careful attention to detail.

Unlikable Characters: Many characters in Wuthering Heights are deeply flawed and often unlikable, which may alienate readers seeking traditional protagonists. Their selfishness, cruelty and moral ambiguity can make it challenging to emotionally connect with them.

Conclusion

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë stands as a monumental work in the canon of English literature. It is a novel that defies simple categorization, blending elements of gothic fiction with profound psychological and emotional depth. Its exploration of human emotion and morality is unparalleled, as it delves into the extremes of love, obsession, revenge and redemption. Brontë’s genius lies in her ability to create a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, challenging readers to confront the darker facets of human nature.

The novel’s unconventional narrative structure and morally ambiguous characters may initially alienate some readers but these very aspects are what make Wuthering Heights a groundbreaking and timeless work. Heathcliff, as a character, transcends the boundaries of hero and villain, embodying the complexities of love, pain and vengeance. Catherine, too, is not a typical heroine but a figure who reflects the human struggle between societal expectations and individual desires. Together, their tumultuous relationship forms the emotional core of the novel, illustrating how love, when tainted by obsession, can become a destructive force.

The Yorkshire moors in Wuthering Heights reflect the characters’ intense emotions and chaotic lives, contributing to the novel’s haunting atmosphere. Despite initial controversy, it remains a timeless classic, resonating with themes of love, revenge and societal conflict. Brontë’s evocative storytelling and exploration of human nature elevate the novel beyond a mere love story, offering profound insights into the human condition.

References

1. Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. Thomas Cautley Newby, 1847.

2. Bloom, Harold. Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Chelsea House Publishers, 2008.

3. Eagleton, Terry. Myths of Power: A Marxist Study of the Brontës. Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.

4. Miller, Lucasta. The Brontë Myth. Vintage, 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights a unique novel?

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is unique for its bold and unconventional approach to storytelling. Its layered narrative structure, with multiple narrators recounting events from different perspectives, creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. Unlike traditional romantic novels of its time, the book delves into darker, more complex themes such as obsessive love, revenge and the destructive power of human emotions. Its setting on the wild Yorkshire moors adds to its gothic and atmospheric tone, setting it apart from other works of its era.

Why was Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights controversial when it was published?

When Wuthering Heights was first published in 1847, it shocked Victorian audiences with its raw depiction of human emotions, violence and morally ambiguous characters. The novel challenged societal norms by presenting characters who defied traditional roles and behaved in ways that were considered scandalous. Heathcliff’s brutality, Catherine’s selfishness and the overall darkness of the narrative were unlike the sentimental and moralistic novels popular at the time. Its bold exploration of themes such as revenge, class struggle and forbidden love made it controversial but also groundbreaking.