Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë, is a classic novel that has captivated readers for generations. It is renowned for its portrayal of love, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. While the story itself is captivating, it is also filled with allegorical elements that add another layer of depth to the novel.
One of the most prominent allegories in Wuthering Heights is the representation of the moors. The moors are a symbol of freedom and wildness, representing the untamed nature of the human spirit. They are also a symbol of isolation and loneliness, reflecting the characters’ struggles with their own inner demons.
Another allegory found in Wuthering Heights is the representation of the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. These houses are symbols of opposing forces, with Wuthering Heights representing passion, chaos, and the raw nature of humanity, while Thrushcross Grange represents civilization, order, and the constraint of societal norms. The conflict between these two houses represents the struggle between these opposing forces within the characters themselves.
Context of “Wuthering Heights”
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë is a novel that was published in 1847. It is a story about love, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. The novel is set in the Yorkshire moors, and it tells the story of the Earnshaw and Linton families. The novel is known for its complex characters and intricate plot.
The novel was written during the Romantic era, which was a time when writers were interested in exploring emotions and nature. The novel is also an example of Gothic literature, which was a popular genre during the 19th century. Gothic literature aims to fascinate and terrify readers. The novel is a combination of various genres, including romanticism, gothic literature, and realism.
The novel is also a commentary on the social and political issues of the time. The novel was written during a time of great social change in England. The novel explores issues such as class, gender, and race. The novel is also a commentary on the patriarchal society of the time. The novel challenges the traditional roles of men and women and explores the idea of gender equality.
Main Allegories in ‘Wuthering Heights’
The Moorland as a Symbol
The moorland in ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a symbol of the wild and untamed nature of the characters. The moors are often described as dark, desolate, and dangerous, reflecting the turbulent emotions of the characters. The moors also represent the vastness of the universe and the power of nature, which is beyond human control.
The Two Houses
The two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, represent two different worlds. Wuthering Heights is a dark and oppressive place, while Thrushcross Grange is a bright and welcoming place. The two houses also represent the two different classes of society. Wuthering Heights is a representation of the lower class, while Thrushcross Grange is a representation of the upper class.
The Ghosts and the Supernatural
The ghosts and supernatural elements in ‘Wuthering Heights’ are allegorical representations of the past that haunts the present. The ghosts of Catherine and Heathcliff represent the unresolved issues and unrequited love that still lingers in the minds of the characters. The supernatural elements also represent the uncontrollable forces of nature that affect the lives of the characters.
The Dogs
The dogs in ‘Wuthering Heights’ are symbolic of the violent and aggressive nature of the characters. The dogs are often used to represent the animalistic behavior of the characters, particularly Heathcliff. The dogs also represent the loyalty and devotion that the characters have towards each other.
The Weather
The weather in ‘Wuthering Heights’ is symbolic of the emotions and moods of the characters. The stormy weather represents the turbulent emotions of the characters, while the calm and sunny weather represents the peaceful and contented state of mind. The weather also represents the unpredictability of life and the uncontrollable forces of nature.
Character Representations
Heathcliff’s Allegorical Role
Heathcliff is the conflicted villain/hero of the novel. He represents the dark side of human nature, as well as the destructive power of revenge. His character is a representation of the working class and the struggle for power in society. Heathcliff’s love for Catherine Earnshaw is also an allegory for the destructive nature of love and the pain it can cause.
Catherine Earnshaw
Catherine Earnshaw represents the upper class and the societal norms of the time period. Her character is a representation of the struggle between societal expectations and individual desires. Catherine’s love for Heathcliff is an allegory for the power of love and how it can transcend societal norms.
Edgar and Isabella Linton
Edgar and Isabella Linton represent the upper class and the societal norms of the time period. Their characters are allegories for the power of societal expectations and the consequences of going against them. Isabella’s relationship with Heathcliff is an allegory for the consequences of going against societal expectations and the power of revenge.
Themes and Motifs
Revenge and Inheritance
Wuthering Heights is a novel that explores the theme of revenge and inheritance. Heathcliff, one of the main characters, is consumed by his desire for revenge against those who have wronged him in the past. He is driven by his desire to gain control of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights, which he believes are rightfully his. This desire for revenge leads to a cycle of violence and destruction that affects all of the characters in the novel. The theme of revenge is closely linked to the idea of inheritance, as the characters in the novel are all fighting for control over their family’s land and wealth.
Nature versus Culture
Another important theme in Wuthering Heights is the conflict between nature and culture. The novel portrays the wild and untamed nature of the moors, which is contrasted with the refined and cultured world of Thrushcross Grange. This conflict is embodied in the characters of Cathy and Heathcliff, who are both products of their environment. Cathy is refined and cultured, while Heathcliff is wild and untamed. The novel suggests that neither of these worlds is perfect, and that a balance between the two is necessary for a healthy society.
Love and Obsession
The theme of love and obsession is also central to Wuthering Heights. The novel explores the destructive power of obsessive love, as Heathcliff and Cathy are consumed by their passion for each other. Their love is all-consuming and destructive, leading to tragedy and death. The novel suggests that love can be both a force for good and evil, and that the line between the two is often blurred. The theme of love and obsession is closely linked to the theme of revenge, as Heathcliff’s desire for revenge is driven by his love for Cathy.
Historical and Social Allegory
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is not just a simple love story. It is a complex novel that explores the historical and social context of its time. The novel is set in the late 18th to early 19th century in Yorkshire, England. During this time, the society was divided into classes, and social status was a significant factor in determining one’s place in society. This division is reflected in the novel, where the characters’ social status plays a significant role in their relationships.
The novel also explores the historical context of its time. The abolition of slavery in the United Kingdom in the 1770s influenced the novel. The verdict by Lord Mansfield abolished slavery, but it did not end racism. This is reflected in the novel through the character of Heathcliff, who is discriminated against because of his dark skin.
Moreover, the novel also explores the themes of gender roles and patriarchy. Women in the novel are expected to be submissive and obedient to men. This is reflected in the character of Catherine, who is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her duty to marry Edgar Linton, a man of higher social status. The novel also explores the theme of revenge, and how it can consume a person and lead to their downfall.
Interpreting “Wuthering Heights”
Feminist Readings
One way to interpret “Wuthering Heights” is through a feminist lens. Emily Brontë’s novel portrays the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Catherine Earnshaw, for instance, is trapped in a loveless marriage to Edgar Linton because of societal expectations. She is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her desire for social status. Similarly, Isabella Linton is forced to marry Heathcliff against her will, and her life becomes a nightmare.
Marxist Readings
Another way to interpret “Wuthering Heights” is through a Marxist lens. The novel portrays the class struggles of the time period. The Earnshaws and Lintons represent the landed gentry, while Heathcliff represents the working class. The novel shows how the wealthy exploit the poor and how social status determines one’s fate. Heathcliff’s desire for revenge against the Lintons and the Earnshaws can be seen as a rebellion against the class system.
Psychoanalytical Readings
A psychoanalytical reading of “Wuthering Heights” focuses on the characters’ psychology. Heathcliff’s character, for instance, can be seen as a product of his traumatic childhood and his desire for revenge. Catherine’s character can be interpreted as a representation of the id, the unconscious part of the psyche that seeks pleasure. The novel’s Gothic elements, such as ghosts and supernatural occurrences, can be seen as manifestations of the characters’ inner turmoil.