Two houses belonging to old families, a remote village far away from urban influence, and the desolate Yorkshire moors make the perfect setting for this tale of a tragic love story. Two lovers separated, first by fate and then forever, and the boy’s quest for revenge: Wuthering Heights is said to be one of the best examples of classic Gothic fiction.
About the Author:
Emily Jane Bronte (30 July, 1818 – 19 December, 1848) was an English novelist and poet who is best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, now considered a classic of English Literature. She also published a book of poetry with her sisters Charlotte and Anne titled Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell with her own poems finding regard as poetic genius. Emily was the second-youngest of the four surviving Bronte siblings, between the youngest Anne and her brother Branwell. She published under the pen name Ellis Bell.
Wuthering Heights:
Wuthering Heights – a classic tale of a tragic love story set in the Yorkshire moors of nineteenth century England. You would have probably guessed the vibes of the book by now. So the situation is this: Mr Lockwood is the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, whose owner lives a few miles away at the Wuthering Heights. Lockwood’s first visit to his landlord is a strange one. Mr Heathcliff’s household seems to be an exceedingly depressing one, and Lockwood hardly feels welcome. But determined to strike close acquaintance with his mysterious landlord, he visits Heathcliff again. This time rough weather conditions force him to pass the night at Wuthering Heights, where he has a singular and grotesque experience.
Lockwood is now back at the Thrushcross Grange with a burning desire to know more of Heathcliff’s past, and he find an excellent source of information in Miss Ellen Dean, the housekeeper of the Grange. She had been in the service of the Earnshaws – the previous owners of Wuthering Heights – for over twenty years and knew Heathcliff ever since he was a child. Moreover, she was ready to talk.
This is where the actual tale begins. Miss Dean narrates the story of the Earnshaw household, and how a decision by its head had distorted and marred the lives of two succeeding generations. Apparently, Mr Earnshaw was returning from Liverpool when he saw a gipsy boy begging on the streets. The boy reminded him of his own children – Hindley and Catherine – and he decided to take him home. And it was on that fateful day, that the boy entered the Wuthering Heights, and was later christened Heathcliff. Earnshaw’s pampering and partiality towards Heathcliff naturally angered Hindley; when Heathcliff began to be arrogant and dominating, a lifelong feeling of enmity was born between them. Things worsened when Heathcliff and Catherine fell madly in love with each other.
One thing led to another. After Earnshaw’s passing, Hindley became the master of the house and treated Heathcliff as badly as he could. He also encouraged visits by the Lintons – the then owners of Thrushcross Grange. They had a son named Edgar, who fell in love with Catherine, too. This competition was not liked by Heathcliff, who hated Edgar for being richer, more educated, and better-looking than him. Things happened and Heathcliff ran away from home. When he returned about three years later, Catherine had married Edgar.
Heathcliff still loved her and paid frequent visits. But Edgar soon put an end to his visits by forbidding him to enter the house. Soon after, Catherine fell seriously ill. Despite Edgar’s care, she died, leaving behind a daughter. Her death came as a blow to Heathcliff, and a planned a revenge that ruined them all – the Lintons, and even Catherine’s daughter.
Wuthering Heights is the ideal book for a lover of romantic fiction. Personally, although I liked the book for its story and plot, I could not relate to any of it. However, it might be very enjoyable for many readers, and will certainly be of interest to students of literature. Moreover, its designation as one of the best stories of love, is unquestionable.
Outro:
Although I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book, I cannot help admire the originality and literary greatness of the book. Anyways, if you do decide to read this one, it is up to you to judge it. So, I hope you found the review helpful. If you did, please consider subscribing to the blog. Until next time, au revoir!