Review written by Helen Salmon & Asif Mukhtar
“Wuthering Heights,” Emily Brontë’s singular and tempestuous novel, stands as one of the most distinctive works in English literature. Published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, the book initially shocked readers with its intense passion and dark themes. Today, it is celebrated for its complex characters, dramatic plot, and the wild, untamed setting that mirrors the turbulent emotions of its inhabitants. In this review, we will delve into the elements that make “Wuthering Heights” a masterpiece, while exploring its plot, characters, themes, and lasting impact.
Plot Overview
“Wuthering Heights” tells the story of two generations of the Earnshaw and Linton families, and at its heart lies the tragic love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The novel is framed by the narration of Mr. Lockwood, a gentleman who rents a house called Thrushcross Grange and becomes curious about his reclusive landlord, Heathcliff, who resides at the nearby Wuthering Heights. Through the storytelling of Nelly Dean, the housekeeper, Lockwood uncovers the haunting and passionate history of the inhabitants.
Heathcliff, an orphan brought to Wuthering Heights by Mr. Earnshaw, grows up alongside Earnshaw’s children, Catherine and Hindley. While Hindley despises Heathcliff, Catherine forms a deep bond with him. However, their relationship is fraught with conflict and intensity. After Mr. Earnshaw’s death, Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights and treats Heathcliff cruelly, relegating him to the status of a servant.
Catherine, though deeply in love with Heathcliff, becomes infatuated with the more refined Edgar Linton from Thrushcross Grange. Despite her love for Heathcliff, Catherine marries Edgar, believing it will elevate her social standing. This betrayal devastates Heathcliff, who leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later, wealthy and bent on revenge.
Heathcliff’s return sets off a chain of events marked by manipulation, cruelty, and unrelenting passion. He marries Edgar’s sister, Isabella, to spite the Lintons and gains control of both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange through a series of calculated moves. The younger generation, including Catherine’s daughter Cathy, Hindley’s son Hareton, and Heathcliff’s son Linton, becomes entangled in the legacy of their parents’ tumultuous relationships.
The novel’s conclusion brings a semblance of peace as the younger Cathy and Hareton begin to overcome the bitterness of their inheritance and look towards a more hopeful future. Heathcliff, consumed by his obsession with Catherine, dies, seemingly reuniting with her spirit.
Character Analysis
Heathcliff: As one of literature’s most enigmatic and controversial characters, Heathcliff defies simple categorization. He is both a victim and a villain, driven by intense love and equally intense hatred. His transformation from a vulnerable orphan to a vengeful, tormented man is central to the novel’s plot. Heathcliff’s actions, often cruel and unforgivable, are rooted in his deep, unrequited love for Catherine and the injustices he suffered. This complexity makes him a fascinating and unforgettable character.
Catherine Earnshaw: Catherine is a passionate and headstrong woman whose desires and choices drive much of the novel’s drama. Her love for Heathcliff is profound and consuming, yet she chooses to marry Edgar Linton for social reasons. Catherine’s internal conflict and her inability to reconcile her love for Heathcliff with her ambitions lead to her tragic downfall. Her spirited nature and emotional depth make her a compelling character, embodying the novel’s themes of love and self-destruction.
Edgar Linton: In contrast to Heathcliff’s wildness, Edgar represents gentility and refinement. He genuinely loves Catherine and suffers due to her divided affections. Edgar’s kindness and decency make him a sympathetic character, though his inability to fully understand Catherine’s passionate nature limits his connection with her.
Isabella Linton: Edgar’s sister, Isabella, becomes a tragic figure through her ill-fated marriage to Heathcliff. Initially infatuated with Heathcliff, she soon becomes a victim of his cruelty. Isabella’s plight highlights the destructive power of obsessive love and revenge.
Nelly Dean: As the primary narrator, Nelly offers a grounded perspective on the events at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Her loyalty, pragmatism, and moral judgment provide a lens through which readers can understand the complex dynamics between the characters. Nelly’s narration adds depth to the story, balancing the intense emotions with her more measured viewpoint.
Themes and Symbolism
“Wuthering Heights” is rich with themes that explore the darker aspects of human nature and the forces that drive individuals to their extremes. Some of the key themes include:
Love and Passion: The novel’s depiction of love is intense and often destructive. The love between Heathcliff and Catherine is all-consuming, blurring the lines between love and obsession. Their passion transcends life and death, suggesting a connection that is both spiritual and fatal.
Revenge and Hatred: Heathcliff’s quest for revenge against those who wronged him drives much of the novel’s action. His actions, fueled by deep-seated resentment, lead to a cycle of cruelty and suffering. The theme of revenge highlights the corrosive effects of hatred on individuals and those around them.
Social Class and Inequality: The novel explores the rigid class structure of Victorian society. Heathcliff’s status as an outsider and his struggle for acceptance underscore the social barriers that define the characters’ lives. Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar for social advancement further illustrates the influence of class on personal choices.
Nature and the Supernatural: The wild, untamed moors surrounding Wuthering Heights serve as a powerful symbol of the characters’ inner turmoil. The harsh and desolate landscape mirrors the emotional intensity of the story. Additionally, the novel’s supernatural elements, such as the ghostly presence of Catherine, add a haunting quality that blurs the line between reality and the otherworldly.
Family and Inheritance: The relationships between the two generations of Earnshaws and Lintons highlight the impact of family legacies and inherited conflicts. The younger characters struggle to break free from the destructive patterns set by their parents, suggesting the possibility of redemption and renewal.
Writing Style and Structure
Emily Brontë’s writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions, emotional intensity, and lyrical quality. Her use of multiple narrators, primarily Mr. Lockwood and Nelly Dean, adds layers of perspective to the story. This narrative structure allows readers to see the events from different viewpoints, enhancing the complexity of the characters and their motivations.
Brontë’s portrayal of the natural environment is particularly striking. The moors are described in such a way that they become almost a character in their own right, reflecting the wildness and isolation of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights. Her poetic language and attention to detail create a richly immersive setting that heightens the novel’s emotional impact.
Impact and Legacy
“Wuthering Heights” was initially met with mixed reviews due to its unconventional structure and dark themes. However, it has since become a cornerstone of English literature, admired for its originality and emotional depth. Emily Brontë’s only novel, it stands as a testament to her unique vision and literary talent.
The novel’s influence extends beyond literature into popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in film, television, and theatre. Its themes of love, revenge, and the supernatural continue to resonate with modern audiences, ensuring its place as a timeless classic.
Criticism and Praise
Despite its acclaim, “Wuthering Heights” has also faced criticism. Some readers and critics have found the characters’ actions and motivations difficult to understand or sympathize with. Heathcliff’s cruelty and Catherine’s selfishness can make them challenging to relate to, and the novel’s intense emotions may be overwhelming for some.
However, these very elements are also the source of the novel’s power. The rawness and honesty with which Brontë depicts human emotions set “Wuthering Heights” apart from other works of its time. The characters’ flaws and complexities make them feel real and relatable, even when their actions are extreme.
Final Thoughts
“Wuthering Heights” is a masterpiece that delves into the depths of human passion, exploring themes of love, revenge, and the supernatural in a way that is both powerful and haunting. Emily Brontë’s vivid writing and complex characters create a story that is as compelling today as it was over a century ago.
The novel’s intense emotions and dramatic plot make it a challenging but rewarding read. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the moors and the turbulent lives of its inhabitants. For those who appreciate literature that explores the darker aspects of the human experience, “Wuthering Heights” is an essential read.
Ultimately, “Wuthering Heights” endures because it speaks to the timeless nature of love and the complexities of the human heart. Its legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers, ensuring its place as one of the great works of English literature.
Helen Salmon, a professor of English Literature at Harvard University, expands her horizons in review writing. Her students are quite impressed with her writing style, which is why Albatross Magazine wanted to give its readers a taste of her insightful reviews.
Asif Mukhtar, a postgraduate student in the English Department at Harvard University, is a research fellow working under Helen. He also possesses a creative flair for writing, and they co-authored the review together.
