Emily Brontë, born in 1818, was an English novelist and poet. She is best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. Emily lived a quiet and reclusive life, which allowed her to create the haunting and powerful world of Wuthering Heights. Her novel explores deep emotions and complex characters, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.
Setting of the Novel
Wuthering Heights is set in the isolated and wild Yorkshire moors, a remote and rugged area in northern England. The story revolves around two main locations: Wuthering Heights, the gloomy and eerie mansion, and Thrushcross Grange, the more refined and elegant estate. The harsh environment of the moors reflects the turbulent emotions and events of the characters.
The Story Begins: Mr. Lockwood’s Arrival
The novel starts with Mr. Lockwood, a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange. He is curious about his mysterious landlord, Heathcliff, and decides to visit him at Wuthering Heights. Lockwood finds the house strange and the people living there even stranger. During his stay, he experiences a terrifying dream where the ghost of a young woman named Catherine Linton appears. Disturbed, he asks his housekeeper, Nelly Dean, to tell him the story behind Wuthering Heights.
The Childhood of Heathcliff and Catherine
Nelly Dean begins the story by recounting the early days of Wuthering Heights. Mr. Earnshaw, the owner of the estate, brings home an orphan boy from Liverpool and names him Heathcliff. Heathcliff is treated poorly by Mr. Earnshaw’s son, Hindley, but he forms a close bond with Mr. Earnshaw’s daughter, Catherine. As they grow up, Heathcliff and Catherine become inseparable, roaming the moors and sharing a deep connection.
However, when Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley becomes the master of Wuthering Heights. He resents Heathcliff and demotes him to a servant, treating him harshly. Despite this, Heathcliff and Catherine’s bond remains strong.
Catherine’s Change and Heathcliff’s Revenge
One day, Catherine and Heathcliff visit Thrushcross Grange, where Catherine meets the refined and wealthy Linton siblings, Edgar and Isabella. Catherine is attracted to Edgar’s wealth and status, and she eventually accepts his marriage proposal, despite her love for Heathcliff. This decision devastates Heathcliff, and he leaves Wuthering Heights for several years.
When Heathcliff returns, he is a wealthy man with a burning desire for revenge. He begins by gaining control of Wuthering Heights by manipulating Hindley, who has become a drunken gambler. Heathcliff also targets Edgar Linton by marrying his sister, Isabella, not out of love, but to hurt Edgar and gain control of Thrushcross Grange.
Catherine’s Tragic Fate
Catherine finds herself torn between her love for Heathcliff and her marriage to Edgar. Her health deteriorates due to the emotional turmoil. She becomes increasingly unstable, and eventually, she gives birth to a daughter, Cathy, but dies shortly after. Catherine’s death leaves Heathcliff devastated. He becomes obsessed with her memory and vows to take revenge on everyone who separated them.
Heathcliff’s Downward Spiral
After Catherine’s death, Heathcliff’s cruelty intensifies. He takes control of both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Hindley dies, leaving Wuthering Heights to Heathcliff, and Isabella flees to escape his abuse, giving birth to their son, Linton. Heathcliff forces his son, Linton, to marry Cathy, Catherine’s daughter, to secure his hold on Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff’s obsession with revenge consumes him, and he isolates himself from the world. He is haunted by Catherine’s ghost, longing for death so he can be reunited with her.
The Next Generation
As the next generation grows up, Cathy and Hareton, Hindley’s son, form a bond. Hareton, who was initially treated cruelly by Heathcliff, softens under Cathy’s influence. Their relationship offers a glimmer of hope in the dark and tragic world of Wuthering Heights.
Heathcliff, worn down by his obsession and grief, finally dies, presumably joining Catherine in the afterlife. With his death, the cycle of revenge and hatred ends.
The Ending: A Hopeful Future
After Heathcliff’s death, Cathy and Hareton plan to marry and leave Wuthering Heights. Their love and future together symbolize the possibility of healing and moving forward, away from the violence and cruelty that dominated the previous generation.
Mr. Lockwood, the narrator, visits Wuthering Heights one last time and sees the changes taking place. He reflects on the events that unfolded and leaves the moors, noting the peaceful atmosphere now surrounding the once-turbulent Wuthering Heights.
Themes of the Novel
Wuthering Heights explores several powerful themes:
- Revenge and Destruction: Heathcliff’s need for revenge drives much of the plot, leading to the destruction of lives and relationships. His obsession shows how revenge can consume a person and ruin everything in its path.
- Love and Passion: The intense and passionate love between Heathcliff and Catherine is central to the novel. However, their love is also destructive, highlighting the darker side of love.
- Social Class and Status: The novel explores the impact of social class on relationships, particularly through Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar Linton for his wealth and status, despite her love for Heathcliff.
- The Supernatural: The presence of ghosts and the eerie atmosphere of Wuthering Heights add a supernatural element to the novel, emphasizing the theme of eternal love and the haunting nature of the past.
- Nature and the Moors: The wild and untamed moors symbolize the characters’ emotions and inner turmoil. The setting plays a significant role in shaping the story’s mood and events.
Conclusion
Wuthering Heights is a haunting and complex novel that delves deep into human emotions, love, revenge, and the consequences of obsession. Emily Brontë’s portrayal of the moors and her unforgettable characters create a world that is both brutal and beautiful. The novel remains a powerful and enduring piece of literature, leaving readers with much to ponder about the nature of love and the destructive power of vengeance.