Wuthering Heights Research Paper

Ana Krueger

AP ELA IV

Groce-6th

3-6-2018 Wuthering Heights Essay The idealization of love in literature creates an impractical stigma that revolves around __, rather than acknowledging the powerful influence that exudes both healing and harmful repercussions. In Emily Bronte’s novel, “Wuthering Heights”, the ceaseless cycle of cruelty and revenge is illustrated through Heathcliff’s gradual decline to villainy and his personal relationship to Catherine, in order to explore the capacity and consequences of destructive love.

Heathcliff is initially introduced as a burdenous presence in the Earnshaw household as seen through the mistreatment invoked by the residents of Wuthering Heights. He is immediately labeled as a gypsy and establishes

Bronte touches on the notion that such brutishness is rooted in deep neglect and exploitation in attempt to correlate the indifference of the natural world. The pain bestowed upon Heathcliff and Hindley showcases the effects of cruelty as their turmoil leads them to seek displaced revenge. This is seen through Heathcliff’s relationship to Isabella Linton. After learning of Catherine’s illness, he blames Edgar and displaces this sense of betrayal through the emotional abuse of Isabella. He indulges in violence frequently, most notably by hanging Isabella’s dog and physically abusing her. Bronte continually uses Heathcliff’s mistreatment to demonstrate the damaging ramifications involved in man’s ability to hate and hones in on the core reason for such destructiveness. It is implied that nuture plays a large role in an individual’s upbringing, essentially defining the nature of man. Hatred and vengeance drive the character’s immoral motives and perpetuates an ironic succession of equal treatment. The audience sees this unmasked pattern of cruelty in the second generation of the Earnshaw’s, Linton’s, and Heathcliff's. Heathcliff demonstrates the same

By centralizing this thwarted passion, it is Bronte’s aim to warn readers of the demoralizing mindset that accompanies unrestrained devotion. Catherine struggles immensely with her role in two separate realms: one of refined tenderness and eloquence, the other of rampant fervor. This struggle is best illustrated in her relationship to Edgar and Isabella Linton as they represent civilized and cultivated members of society. Upon first arrival at Thrushcross Grange, Catherine is initiated into the contrasting environment of the Linton’s and is separated from the savage lifestyle of Wuthering Heights. Catherine’s spirit is spilt into two opposing forces and develops a double personality to endure the internal conflict. She longs to be with Heathcliff, stating that their souls are made of the same matter, but refuses to detach from Edgar’s company. Bronte presents the duality of man in this sense, asserting that naturally man combats societal expectations with inherent fascination. To personify these effects even further, Bronte allows uses illness as a manifestation of the character’s internal suffering. Catherine’s becomes fatefully ill after being confronted by Edgar to choose between him and Heathcliff. The internal dilemma takes a physical embodiment, allowing for readers to infer that passion has boundaries and