Top 10 Notes: Wuthering Heights
It was the first and only novel by this Bronte sister. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and in this installment of Mojo Notes, we’ll be exploring ten things you should know about Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights.”
#10 – About the Author
Born in 1818 in Thornton, England, Emily Bronte was one of six children, which included sister and fellow novelist Charlotte Bronte. Following her mother’s death, Emily was mostly homeschooled and found the inspiration to write through reading. Soon, she and Charlotte began publishing poems under pen names. The shy and withdrawn Bronte’s only novel was “Wuthering Heights” as she died from illness shortly thereafter.
#9 – Influences and Inspirations
“Wuthering Heights” was published in 1847 under the pen name Ellis Bell. The novel’s uncensored descriptions of its characters’ strong feelings and conflicts and what was perceived as a lack of morality shocked many who followed the Victorian social code. Despite its dark, Gothic tone, the novel also possesses moments of light and hope with a writing style that’s almost poetic in nature.
#8 – Settings and Era
“Wuthering Heights” is set during the mid-18th century to early 19th century in the Yorkshire Moors in Northern England. This dark and dreary farmhouse is home to Mr. Heathcliff and serves as a contrast to the peaceful and welcoming Thrushcross Grange that’s rented by Mr. Lockwood. It’s between these two locations that most of the novel’s actions take place.
#7 – Plot
It’s housekeeper Nelly Dean who recounts the story of Wuthering Heights to the curious Mr. Lockwood. The tale revolves around Heathcliff’s love for Catherine, who’s the daughter of the man who adopted him, Mr. Earnshaw. Unfortunately, they’re kept apart by their different social statuses and end up marrying other people. This causes Heathcliff to seek revenge on those who’ve hurt him but the journey eventually ends in his death.
#6 – Heathcliff
Taken in by Mr. Earnshaw after being orphaned, Heathcliff quickly falls in love with Catherine. However, his lack of social status causes her to marry another. And though he makes the effort to change, Heathcliff and Catherine don’t end up together - his subsequent anger, quest for vengeance and heartache eventually kill him.
#5 – Catherine Earnshaw
Catherine Earnshaw is torn between her love for the poor and rough Heathcliff and the desire for a better life with a more educated man, Edgar Linton. As a result of her transformation from a rebellious young girl into a woman interested more in status, she chooses Edgar over Heathcliff. This decision is what brings the story together and drives a devastated Heathcliff to marry Isabella. It’s only while approaching her deathbed that Catherine briefly reconciles with him.
#4 – Other Characters
Hindley is Catherine’s older brother and his jealousy over his father and sister’s affections for Heathcliff makes him angry and full of hate. The well-mannered and educated Edgar Linton is the man who becomes Catherine’s husband. He loves her so much that’s he lets Catherine do almost whatever she pleases. This leads to an unloving and unhappy marriage between Heathcliff and Edgar’s spoiled sister Isabella, who doesn’t realize how badly she’s being treated for some time.
#3 – Values and Themes
One of the first themes we come across in “Wuthering Heights” is how society and class affect people’s relationships. Without a surname or a real home, Heathcliff is looked down upon. As such, Catherine aspires to marry the well-mannered Edgar, who lives in the more refined Thrushcross Grange. Thus, part of Heathcliff’s struggle is to feel accepted – but as the novel unfolds, it’s evident its main themes are the effects of revenge, love and betrayal in our lives.
#2 – Modern Popularity
Though it was deemed controversial and earned mixed reviews upon initial publication, this did little to harm the reputation of Bronte’s first and sole novel later on. Thanks to its power, originality and stark but memorable descriptions of strong feelings, cruelty and hatred, it’s now considered one of English literature’s best.
#1 – Adaptations
The novel’s popularity and haunting beauty have inspired many adaptations, ranging from operas, graphic novels, and a role-playing game. Authors as diverse as Albert Camus and Stephenie Meyer have also referenced it. When it comes to screen adaptations, many have focused on Heathcliff and Catherine’s story and omitted those of their children. This includes the Oscar-nominated 1939 version with Laurence Olivier and the 1970 movie with Timothy Dalton. On the other hand, both generations were seen in Peter Kosminsky’s 1992 film with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche.
Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite pieces of “Wuthering Heights” trivia? Be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com for more informative top 10s published every day.
