Wuthering Heights

Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights always encouraged its reviewers to analyze the plot of the novel from a psychoanalytical dimension. The novelist who knows the art of portraying human emotions with picturesque vividness has penned Wuthering Heights in 1847, only a year ago before her untimely death at the age of thirty. The young novelist has shown her mastery in creating the characters of her novel in different shades. Wuthering Heights contains all the essential features of a Gothic novel; however, its characters surpassed traditional Gothic protagonists in all aspects. The characters of Bronte’s novel highlight the eternal contrasts that exist in human nature – the good and the evil.

The main theme of Wuthering Heights is surely love, but it presented as a contrast to hatred. The polarization between love and hatred is easily discernible in the actions of the characters. The relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine is undoubtedly one of love, but it is born out of a protest or rebellion against the society. The duo even cannot fully realize their love as betrayal devours a good portion of their love life. This betrayal gives birth to hatred and from this point Bronte found the other major theme of her novel – vengeance. Vengeance twined with hatred and selfishness compels Heathcliff to show his conflicting emotions and do things which are not at all nice. Wuthering Heights is not a mere love story, instead a window through which one can peep into the inner rooms of human soul.

Bronte’s craftsmanship in portraying human passion may touch its zenith while she attempted to draw the characters- Catherine and Heathcliff. Catherine knows how to love with strong passion. However, Edgar’s acute gentleness helps Catherine to understand that she will never be able to live in Edgar’s world. She can only share her fierce passion with Heathcliff. Thus in her death bed, Catherine never forgets to announce that she would not find solace in her grave until she found Heathcliff by her side. One can unmistakably find Catherine’s attempt to turn their love eternal through her announcement. Though, Bronte has constructed her novel on the foundation of contrast between love and hatred, there is no doubt that love is ultimately declared triumphant and hatred finds its place in the graveyard only.