THE NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY, BHOPAL

PROJECT ON

WUTHERING HEIGHTS BY EMILY BRONTE: AN ANALYSIS

Submitted by

II Semester

B.A.LL.B. (Hons.)

Submitted to

Date of submission: 5 April 2023

Table of Contents

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Contents
DECLARATION............................................................................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..............................................................................................................
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................
ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................
REVIEW OF LITERATURE.............................................................................................................
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM..........................................................................................................
HYPOTHESIS................................................................................................................................
RESEARCH QUESTIONS...........................................................................................................
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY..................................................................................................................
METHOD OF STUDY.......................................................................................................................
WARREN HASTINGS' EARLY LIFE AND TIME IN INDIA.......................................................
THE LESSENING OF HASTING’S REPUTATION AND THE MOMENTS LEADING TO
TRIAL..........................................................................................................................................12
THEATRICS AND NATIONAL SENSATION SURROUNDING THE TRIAL OF WARREN
HASTINGS......................................................................................................................................14
THE IMPECHMENT.......................................................................................................................16
EDMUND BURKE’S SPEECH AND LINE OF DEFENCE..........................................................19
THE ACQUITALL OF WARREN HASTINGS.............................................................................20
THE AFTERMATH.........................................................................................................................22
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................23
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................24

ABSTRACT

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is a classic novel that tells the story of Heathcliff, a dark
and brooding character, and his passionate and destructive relationship with Catherine Earnshaw.

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Written by Emily Bronte and first published in 1847, it is set in the rugged and isolated Yorkshire
moors. The novel explores themes of love, obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of
human emotions. Through a series of flashbacks and two different narrators, the novel reveals the
secrets of Wuthering Heights and its troubled past, involving themes of love, hate and revenge. It
is a timeless tale that delves into the depths of human emotions and the consequences of
unchecked passion, and it continues to captivate readers to this day.

INTRODUCTION

Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte and initially published under her pen name Ellis
Bell, it is a classic novel that has been enchanting readers for over a century. It is the only novel
written by her. First published in the year 1847, the novel is set in the rugged and isolated
Yorkshire moors, and it is a story of love, obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of
human emotions. Heathcliff, one of the novel's central characters, is a dark and brooding

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character who has been described as both a romantic hero and a villain. He is brought to
Wuthering Heights as a young boy and grows up alongside Catherine Earnshaw, the daughter of
the family who takes him in. Their relationship becomes the centerpiece of the novel, and their
love is both passionate and destructive.

The novel is narrated by two different characters, both of whom add a unique perspective to the
story. The first narrator is Lockwood, a newcomer to the area who rents Thrushcross Grange, a
neighbouring estate, from Heathcliff. He becomes fascinated by the history of Wuthering
Heights and begins to uncover the secrets of its past through conversations with the other
characters. The second narrator is Ellen ‘Nelly’ Dean, Lockwood's housekeeper. She tells him
the story of the family and of Wuthering heights from the last thirty years.

One of the novel's main themes is the destructive power of passion. Catherine and Heathcliff's
love for each other consumes them both, driving them to destructive behaviour and ultimately
causing them both to suffer. The novel also explores the idea of revenge and its consequences.
Heathcliff is consumed with a desire for revenge against those who have wronged him, and this
desire ultimately destroys him as well.

In this English project, we will delve deeper into the novel's themes, characters, and writing style
to gain a better understanding of why "Wuthering Heights" remains a beloved classic. We will
explore the different perspectives offered by the novel's narrators, analyse the themes of love and
revenge, and examine the novel's Gothic elements. We will also consider the novel's historical
context and the ways in which it reflects the social and cultural values of its time. Through this
exploration, we hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless themes and enduring appeal
of Wuthering Heights.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

• Professor Miriam Allott, ‘Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights: A Casebook’, 1 st

Edition, 1970

Edited by Miriam Allott, this book offers a collection of critical essays and commentary
on the novel, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the themes and literary

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 techniques of Wuthering Heights. The first section of the casebook focuses on the novel's
historical and literary context. In her essay, "Emily Bronte: Her Life and Work,"
Christine Alexander provides a comprehensive overview of Bronte's life and influences,
including her family background, education, and literary tastes.. The second section of
the casebook explores the novel's narrative structure and themes. In his essay,
"Wuthering Heights: The Narrative,"
William E. Engel argues that the novel's complex narrative structure reflects its
exploration of the nature of storytelling and the limitations of human communication.
Engel also discusses the novel's themes of love, obsession, revenge, and the destructive
power of human emotions, arguing that the novel's characters are driven by their passions
to acts of violence and cruelty. The third section of the casebook examines the critical
reception of "Wuthering Heights" over time and the final section of the casebook offers a
range of critical perspectives on the novel. The book provides a valuable resource for
readers seeking to deepen their understanding of Emily Bronte's masterpiece. The essays
and commentary offer a range of critical perspectives on the novel's themes, characters,
and literary techniques, and provide readers with a rich and complex understanding of
this enduring classic of English literature.

• Heather Glen, ‘The Cambridge Companion to Emily Bronte’, 3 rd Edition,

Cambridge University Press, 2020

It is a comprehensive and insightful collection of critical essays and analysis on the life
and work of Emily Bronte. Edited by Heather Glen, the book offers a diverse range of
perspectives on Bronte's writing, including the novel in question "Wuthering Heights," as
well as her poetry and other writings. The book is divided into four parts, each of which
focuses on a different aspect of Bronte's life and work. It provides a detailed biography of
Bronte, offering insights into her upbringing, education, and family life. In her essay,
"The Life of Emily Bronte," Heather Glen provides a thorough overview of Bronte's life,
drawing on archival materials and other primary sources to provide a detailed picture of
the author's background and influences. The essays and analysis in the book offer a range
of critical perspectives on Bronte's life and work, and provide a nuanced and
comprehensive understanding of her enduring legacy as one of the greatest writers of the
English language.

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• William M. Sale, ‘Wuthering Heights: An Authoritative Text, with Essays in
Criticism’, 2nd Edition, W.W Norton & Company, 2001

The book provides authoritative text of the novel, based on the earliest surviving
manuscript, along with a selection of critical essays that offer diverse perspectives on the
novel. The critical essays cover a range of topics, including the novel's themes,
characters, narrative structure, and literary techniques. The essays are well-written and
insightful, providing readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the novel.
It is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in studying
"Wuthering Heights" in greater depth.

• John Bowen, ‘Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights: A Routledge Study Guide’, 2 nd

Edition, Routledge, 2014

It is an excellent resource for students and readers looking to gain a deeper understanding
of Emily Bronte's classic novel. The guide provides a detailed analysis of the novel's
themes, characters, and literary techniques, and offers a range of study aids to help
readers engage with the text, including chapter summaries, discussion questions, and
suggested essay topics. The writing is clear and accessible, making it an ideal companion
for anyone studying the novel at the undergraduate or graduate level. Overall, this study
guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper appreciation and
understanding of the novel.

 Karen Smith, ‘The Bronte Family: Passionate Literary Geniuses’, 1 st Edition, The
History Press, 2010

It is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of the lives and works of the Bronte
family. Smith provides readers with a rich understanding of the Bronte family's
upbringing, literary influences, and impact on the literary world. The book's focus on the
family as a whole, rather than just individual members, allows readers to see how the
family's collective experiences and relationships shaped their literary output. Smith's
writing is engaging and well-researched, making this book an ideal resource for anyone
interested in the Bronte family or in 19th-century literature more broadly. It is an
excellent addition to the books based on Wuthering Heights and Emily Bronte.

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 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite its enduring popularity, the novel has been subject to varied and often conflicting
interpretations over the years. Therefore, the problem is to critically analyze the text and the
contexts in which it was written to explore the complex themes and literary techniques employed
by Emily Bronte in the creation of this timeless masterpiece.

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 HYPOTHESIS

Through close textual analysis and examination of the historical and cultural contexts in which
"Wuthering Heights" was written, it may be possible to arrive at a more nuanced and
comprehensive understanding of the novel and its themes. This analysis may contribute to
ongoing discussions about the significance and interpretation of the novel within the canon of
English literature.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

- How does Emily Bronte use language and symbolism to create the complex characters of
Heathcliff and Catherine in "Wuthering Heights"?
- What role does the Yorkshire landscape play in the narrative of "Wuthering Heights" and
its exploration of themes such as isolation, violence, and wildness?
- How does the structure of "Wuthering Heights", with its two narrators and shifting
perspectives, contribute to the novel's exploration of issues such as memory, identity, and
subjective truth?
- In what ways does "Wuthering Heights" reflect the social and cultural norms of Victorian
England, and how does it challenge these norms in its depiction of issues such as gender,
class, and morality?

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

- To analyze the thematic and stylistic elements of "Wuthering Heights" in order to gain a
deeper understanding of the novel and its place in literary history.
- To explore the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the writing and reception of
"Wuthering Heights".
- To critically evaluate the role of gender, class, and power dynamics in "Wuthering
Heights", and their relevance to contemporary social and political issues.

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 - To examine the lasting impact of "Wuthering Heights" on popular culture, including film
adaptations, literary allusions, and fan communities.

METHOD OF STUDY

This project has been made using the doctrinal method of research. Various primary sources such
as scholarly articles, as well as secondary sources like books, journal articles, commentaries were
accessed to make this project. The information thus collected was thoroughly studied and critically
analysed.

THE STORY OF THE AUTHOR, EMILY BRONTE

Emily Bronte was a renowned novelist and poet who lived during the 19th century. She was born
on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, a small village in Yorkshire, England. She was the fifth of six
children born to Maria Branwell and Patrick Bronte, who was a curate in the local Anglican
church. Emily, along with her siblings, grew up in the parsonage in Haworth, a village in the West
Riding of Yorkshire.

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As a child, Emily was very close to her siblings and spent much of her time reading and writing
with them1. She was particularly close to her sister Anne and her brother Branwell, with whom she
created a fictional world of their own called "Gondal" 2. Emily's early education was largely guided
by her father, who believed in the importance of education for girls. She was a brilliant student,
and she and her siblings were also well-versed in classical literature, which they often discussed
and wrote about in their free time.

Emily's family faced many difficulties during her childhood 3. Her mother died of cancer when
Emily was just three years old, and her two older sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died of tuberculosis
when Emily was still a child. Despite these tragedies, Emily remained dedicated to her studies and
continued to write and create stories with her siblings.

As she grew older, Emily became more focused on her writing and spent much of her time crafting
poems and stories4. Her brother Branwell encouraged her writing, and the two often collaborated
on stories and plays5. In 1846, Emily and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, published a collection of
poems under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Emily's contributions to the collection
included some of her most famous poems, such as "No Coward Soul Is Mine" and "The Prisoner".

Emily's most famous work, "Wuthering Heights", was published in 1847 under the pseudonym
Ellis Bell. The novel tells the story of the passionate and destructive relationship between
Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, two characters from different social classes who are deeply
connected to each other. The novel was initially met with mixed reviews, with some critics calling
it immoral and vulgar, but it has since become a literary classic and is widely regarded as one of
the greatest novels of all time.

Despite the success of "Wuthering Heights", Emily did not live to see its lasting impact. She died
on December 19, 1848, at the age of 30, of tuberculosis, the same disease that had claimed the
lives of her sisters. Emily's legacy has continued to live on through her writing, which has inspired
countless readers and writers alike. Her work has been the subject of numerous critical analyses,
adaptations, and popular culture references.

1
The Bronte Parsonage Museum. "Emily Bronte." https://www.bronte.org.uk/the-brontes-and-haworth/emily-bronte
(accessed April 1, 2023).
2
The BBC. "Emily Bronte." https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bronte_emily.shtml (accessed April 1,
2023).
3
Britannica. "Emily Bronte." https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emily-Bronte (accessed April 1, 2023).
4
The Poetry Foundation. "Emily Bronte." https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emily-bronte (accessed April 1,
2023).
5
The Literature Network. "Emily Bronte." https://www.online-literature.com/emily-bronte/ (accessed April 1,
2023).

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Emily Bronte was a gifted writer who overcame numerous personal hardships to produce some of
the most powerful and enduring works of English literature. Her work continues to inspire readers
and writers today, and her legacy as a literary genius and pioneer of Gothic fiction remains intact.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS

To fully understand the novel and its themes, it is important to examine the historical background
of the time period in which it was written. During the time period in which Wuthering Heights was
written, England was going through significant changes6.

6
"Wuthering Heights." The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia
Britannica, Inc., August 5, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Wuthering-Heights-novel-by-Bronte. (accessed
April 1, 2023)

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The novel was written in the mid-19th century, a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Many people were moving from rural areas to cities in search of work, and this had a significant
impact on the social structure of England. 7 The rise of the middle class was changing the dynamics
of English society, and this is reflected in the novel.

The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the economy of England. With the rise of
factories and mass production, many people were leaving their traditional rural lifestyles and
moving to cities to work in factories. This created a new class of wealthy industrialists and a
working class of laborers who lived in poverty. This class divide is reflected in the novel through
the character of Heathcliff, who is seen as an outsider by the wealthy Linton family 8.

Culturally, England was also going through significant changes during the time period in which
Wuthering Heights was written. The Romantic movement was in full swing, and many writers and
artists were exploring the themes of individualism and nature9. Emily Bronte's novel can be seen as
a reflection of this movement, with its emphasis on individualism and the natural world.

The historical background of Wuthering Heights is complex and multifaceted. The novel was
written during a time of significant change in England, and this is reflected in its themes and
characters. By examining the social, economic, and cultural factors of the time period, we can gain
a deeper understanding of the novel and the world in which it was written.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE PLOT OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights tells the story of the passionate and destructive love between Catherine
Earnshaw and Heathcliff. The novel is set in the Yorkshire moors, where the Earnshaw family
resides at Wuthering Heights, their estate. The plot of Wuthering Heights is complex and spans
over several decades, involving multiple generations of the Earnshaw and Linton families. It is a
complex novel with a nonlinear narrative structure. The novel is divided into two parts, and the

7
"The Industrial Revolution." History.com Editors. History.com. A&E Television Networks, September 2, 2019.
https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution. (accessed April 1, 2023)
8
Ferguson, Frances. "Wuthering Heights and the Industrial Revolution." Bronte Studies 27, no. 1 (2002): 23-28.
DOI: 10.1179/147489302320904068
9
McDonagh, Josephine. "Romanticism and the Gothic in Wuthering Heights." The Irish Journal of Gothic and
Horror Studies, no. 16 (2017): 39-50. DOI: 10.1353/gss.2011.0021

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plot follows the interweaving story of the Earnshaw and Linton families over several
generations.

The story begins with Mr. Lockwood, a tenant, who rents Thrushcross Grange from Heathcliff,
the mysterious owner of Wuthering Heights. Lockwood becomes curious about his landlord and
pays a visit to Wuthering Heights. During his visit, he encounters Catherine Earnshaw's ghost,
which terrifies him.

Nelly, the housekeeper, begins to tell the story of Heathcliffs’ past to Lockwood. Heathcliff was
found abandoned on the streets of Liverpool as a child and was taken in by Mr. Earnshaw, the
owner of Wuthering Heights. Mr. Earnshaw had two children, Hindley and Catherine. Catherine
and Heathcliff become inseparable, but Hindley despises Heathcliff and makes his life a living
hell. He beats and abuses Heathcliff. Catherine is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her
desire to marry Edgar Linton, a wealthy young man from a neighbouring estate.

When Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights and becomes the master of
Heathcliff. Hindley demotes Heathcliff to a servant and forces him to work in the fields.
Catherine marries Edgar, and Heathcliff disappears for three years. When he returns, he is
wealthy and has a plan for revenge against Hindley and Edgar.

Heathcliff marries Isabella, Edgar's sister, and treats her cruelly. Catherine becomes ill and dies
after giving birth to a daughter named Cathy. Heathcliff is devastated by Catherine's death and
becomes obsessed with her memory. He becomes more cruel and bitter over the years, especially
towards Hindley and his son Hareton.

The second part of the novel focuses on the next generation, as Cathy falls in love with Hareton,
Heathcliff's son. Heathcliff dies, and Cathy and Hareton eventually inherit Wuthering Heights
and Thrushcross Grange.

In the end, Lockwood, who had come to Wuthering Heights to escape society and its pressures,
decides it was better to stay in the society than in Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff and Catherine
are united in death.

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Wuthering Heights is a tragic novel that explores themes of love, revenge, and the destructive
nature of obsession. The complex plot and nonlinear structure of the novel add to the dark and
haunting atmosphere of the story. The plot of Wuthering Heights is intricate and multi-layered,
with a range of characters and relationships that shape the narrative. The novel is a masterful
exploration of the complexities of human nature, and Bronte's skillful storytelling makes it a
timeless classic.

THE STRUCTURE OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights is told from multiple perspectives, with two primary narrators: Lockwood and
Nelly. The structure of the novel is critical to understanding the plot and characters. Bronte
utilizes a frame narrative structure, where the story is told through a series of narrators, to reveal
the complicated relationships and conflicts that exist between the characters.

The novel opens with the arrival of Lockwood, who is renting Thrushcross Grange, a property
near Wuthering Heights. Through Lockwood's initial interactions with the inhabitants of

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Wuthering Heights, he becomes increasingly intrigued by their complicated past and the
enigmatic Heathcliff. Lockwood's narrative voice provides the readers with an outsider's
perspective, allowing them to see the world of Wuthering Heights from an objective viewpoint.

Lockwood's narration is interrupted by Nelly's story, who takes over as the primary narrator.
Nelly's narration is critical to understanding the relationships between the characters, as she has
lived at Wuthering Heights for most of her life and is intimately familiar with the family's
history. She tells the story of Heathcliff's childhood, his arrival at Wuthering Heights, and his
relationships with Catherine Earnshaw and the Linton family. Nelly's narrative voice is critical to
understanding the motivations of the characters, as she provides insight into their thoughts and
feelings.

The dual narrative structure of Wuthering Heights allows for a deeper understanding of the
characters and their relationships. Lockwood's narration provides the readers with an objective
perspective on the events of the novel, while Nelly's narration allows readers to delve deeper into
the emotions and motivations of the characters. The structure of the novel also allows for a more
complex portrayal of the characters, as their motivations and actions are often at odds with one
another.

Furthermore, the structure of the novel allows for the exploration of themes such as revenge,
social class, and love. By using two narrators, Bronte is able to explore these themes from
multiple perspectives, providing readers with a more nuanced understanding of the novel's
themes. The use of multiple narrators also allows for a non-linear plot structure, which further
adds to the complexity of the novel.

The structure of Wuthering Heights is critical to understanding the plot, characters, and themes
of the novel. The use of two narrators, Lockwood and Nelly, provides readers with a deeper
understanding of the complex relationships and motivations that exist between the characters.
Bronte's use of a frame narrative structure and non-linear plot allows for a more complex and
nuanced portrayal of the novel's themes. Wuthering Heights remains a classic novel that
continues to captivate readers with its intricate structure and complex characters.

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 MAJOR THEMES INVOLVED IN WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Love
Wuthering Heights explores several themes that are timeless and universal. One of the prominent
themes of the novel is the destructive power of love 10. The central love affair between Catherine
and Heathcliff is passionate and intense, but ultimately destructive. The two are unable to be
together due to their differences in social status and their own pride and stubbornness. Their love
is all-consuming and causes them both immense pain and suffering.

10
Kettle, Arnold. “Wuthering Heights and the Dangers of Love.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media Limited,
6 Oct. 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/oct/06/wuthering-heights-emily-bronte-dangers-
of-love. (accessed April 1, 2023)

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Revenge
Another theme in the novel is the nature of revenge. Heathcliff, who is mistreated and abused as
a child, seeks revenge on those who have wronged him. His desire for revenge leads him to
mistreat those around him, including Catherine, Hareton, and even his own son Linton. Revenge
becomes a vicious cycle in the novel, as Heathcliff’s actions lead to more pain and suffering for
himself and others.

Social Class and its impact on relationships

The theme of social class and its impact on relationships is also explored in the novel. Catherine
and Heathcliff’s relationship is doomed from the start due to their difference in social class.
Catherine’s decision to marry Edgar Linton is a clear indication of the importance of social class
in society. Heathcliff, who is initially of a lower social class, is rejected by Catherine because of
her desire for social status and wealth.

Nature and Civilization

The novel also explores the theme of nature versus civilization. The wildness and natural beauty
of the moors is juxtaposed with the rigid and strict social structures of society 11. The characters
in the novel are often seen as representing either the natural or civilized world. Heathcliff, who is
wild and untamed, represents the natural world, while Edgar Linton, who is cultured and refined,
represents civilization.

Death and Civilization

Finally, the theme of death and the afterlife is also explored in the novel. The ghosts of Catherine
and Heathcliff haunt the moors, suggesting that their love was so intense and all-consuming that it
transcended death. The idea of the afterlife and the possibility of being reunited with loved ones is
a source of comfort for characters in the novel who have experienced loss.

Wuthering Heights is a complex novel that explores several themes that are still relevant today.
The destructive power of love, the nature of revenge, the impact of social class on relationships,
the conflict between nature and civilization, and the concept of death and the afterlife are all
prominent themes in the novel. Emily Bronte’s use of two narrators, Lockwood and Nelly, adds
depth to the novel and allows for a greater exploration of these themes.

11
Simpson, Margo. “The Gothic and the Anti-Gothic in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.” Nineteenth-Century
Fiction, vol. 34, no. 4, Mar. 1980, pp. 457–481. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2933551.

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 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire, a historic county in the north of England, is the setting for Emily Bronte's Wuthering
Heights. The novel's vivid portrayal of the rugged and desolate moors of Yorkshire serves as a
powerful backdrop for the story's dramatic events. The region's natural beauty and harshness play
an integral role in shaping the lives of the characters and the narrative itself.

The moors and the wild, windswept landscape of Yorkshire are central to the novel's themes and
motifs. The moors are both a symbol of freedom and a place of danger 12. They represent the
untamed nature of the characters' passions and the chaos of their lives. The setting also reinforces
the isolation of the characters, and their estrangement from conventional society.

Moreover, the moors of Yorkshire represent the unyielding and relentless force of nature that
cannot be controlled or tamed. This is reflected in the novel's depiction of Heathcliff, who is

12
Lonesome Reader. (2018, April 28). “Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë”. Retrieved from
https://lonesomereader.com/blog/2018/4/28/wuthering-heights-by-emily-bront (accessed April 1 2023)

18
often compared to the untamed landscape. His fierce, brooding nature and his deep connection to
the moors make him an embodiment of the harsh, unforgiving environment.

Bronte's use of Yorkshire as a setting also reflects her interest in the region's cultural and social
history13. Yorkshire was an important center of industry during the 19th century, and its rugged,
industrial landscape was often the subject of literary and artistic works. The region's rich cultural
heritage is reflected in Wuthering Heights, which portrays the social and economic realities of
the time.

The use of Yorkshire as a setting also reflects Bronte's own experiences growing up in the
region. The author was born and raised in Thornton, a small village in Yorkshire. Her intimate
knowledge of the region's landscape and culture is reflected in her vivid descriptions of the
moors and the surrounding countryside.

Yorkshire serves as a powerful and symbolic backdrop for Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
The region's natural beauty and harshness play an integral role in shaping the lives of the
characters and the narrative itself. Moreover, the novel's use of Yorkshire reflects Bronte's own
experiences growing up in the region, as well as her interest in the area's cultural and social
history.

THE SIGNFICANCE OF THE EPILOGUE OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights ends with an epilogue that provides a glimpse into the future of the characters
and offers a resolution to the story's conflicts. The epilogue is narrated by Lockwood, the story's
primary narrator, who expresses a change in his perspective on society. The ending also sheds
light on the role of love, death, and revenge in the story.

Lockwood's desire to escape society is a significant theme throughout the novel. He initially
travels to Wuthering Heights to escape the pressures of his life in London. However, his stay at
the Heights is anything but an escape. He becomes entangled in the drama between the
inhabitants of the Heights and the nearby Thrushcross Grange. By the end of the novel,
Lockwood is ready to leave the Heights and return to society.

The epilogue finds Lockwood returning to Wuthering Heights years after the events of the novel
have taken place. He reflects on his past experiences at the Heights and realizes that he was
13
Heywood, Christopher. “A Yorkshire Background for ‘Wuthering Heights.’” The Modern Language Review, vol.
88, no. 4, 1993, pp. 817–30. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3734416. (accessed 1 April, 2023)

19
wrong to seek refuge there. He acknowledges that the people he encountered at the Heights were
not the type of people he wanted to associate with. Lockwood's change in attitude is significant
because it shows that he has come to appreciate society and values the role it plays in his life.

The ending also addresses the themes of love, death, and revenge that are central to the story.
Cathy and Heathcliff's love for each other drives the plot and is the source of much of the
conflict. Heathcliff's desire for revenge against those who have wronged him is also a driving
force in the story. In the end, love and revenge lead to death, which brings closure to the story.

The ending and epilogue of Wuthering Heights provide closure to the story's conflicts and offer a
resolution to the characters' fates. Lockwood's change in perspective on society is a significant
theme. The epilogue serves as a reminder that while escaping society may be tempting, it is
ultimately our connection to others that gives our lives meaning.

CONCLUSION

Wuthering Heights is a complex and multi-layered novel that explores themes such as love,
revenge, class, and the destructive power of human nature. The use of multiple narrators and non-
linear storytelling adds to the complexity of the novel and allows for a deeper understanding of the
characters and their motivations. Emily Bronte's vivid and descriptive language, as well as her
portrayal of the Yorkshire landscape, creates a sense of atmosphere and adds to the novel's
emotional intensity.

Through her portrayal of love, revenge, class, and the destructive power of human nature, Bronte
forces readers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions about society and humanity. The
novel's ambiguous ending and Lockwood's desire to return to society leave readers with much to
contemplate, and Wuthering Heights remains a thought-provoking and relevant work of literature
to this day.

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Wuthering Heights continues to be a popular and influential novel, inspiring adaptations in various
media and resonating with readers across generations. The novel's themes and characters continue
to be relevant today, making it a timeless work of literature.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books
- “A Teacher’s guide to the signet classic edition of Wuthering Heights”. By Jeanne M.
McGlinn and James E. McGlinn
- "Approaches to Teaching Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights" edited by Sue Lonoff and
Terri A. Hasseler
- "The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary
Imagination" by Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar
- "The Bronte Myth" by Lucasta Miller
- "Emily Bronte: Her Life and Work" by Muriel Spark

Websites and Journals

- The Bronte Parsonage Museum. "Emily Bronte." https://www.bronte.org.uk/the-brontes-
and-haworth/emily-bronte (accessed April 1, 2023).
- The BBC. "Emily Bronte."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bronte_emily.shtml (accessed April 1,
2023).
- Britannica. "Emily Bronte." https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emily-Bronte
(accessed April 1, 2023).
- The Poetry Foundation. "Emily Bronte." https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emily-
bronte (accessed April 1, 2023).
- The Literature Network. "Emily Bronte." https://www.online-literature.com/emily-
bronte/ (accessed April 1, 2023).
- "Wuthering Heights." The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia
Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., August 5, 2021.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Wuthering-Heights-novel-by-Bronte. (accessed April
1, 2023)
- "The Industrial Revolution." History.com Editors. History.com. A&E Television
Networks, September 2, 2019.
https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution. (accessed
April 1, 2023)

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- Ferguson, Frances. "Wuthering Heights and the Industrial Revolution." Bronte Studies
27, no. 1 (2002): 23-28. DOI: 10.1179/147489302320904068
- McDonagh, Josephine. "Romanticism and the Gothic in Wuthering Heights." The Irish
Journal of Gothic and Horror Studies, no. 16 (2017): 39-50. DOI: 10.1353/gss.2011.0021
- Kettle, Arnold. “Wuthering Heights and the Dangers of Love.” The Guardian, Guardian
News and Media Limited, 6 Oct. 2014,
https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/oct/06/wuthering-heights-emily-
bronte-dangers-of-love. (accessed April 1, 2023)
- Simpson, Margo. “The Gothic and the Anti-Gothic in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering
Heights.” Nineteenth-Century Fiction, vol. 34, no. 4, Mar. 1980, pp. 457–481. JSTOR,
www.jstor.org/stable/2933551.
- Lonesome Reader. (2018, April 28). “Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë”. Retrieved
from https://lonesomereader.com/blog/2018/4/28/wuthering-heights-by-emily-bront
(accessed April 1 2023)
- Heywood, Christopher. “A Yorkshire Background for ‘Wuthering Heights.’” The
Modern Language Review, vol. 88, no. 4, 1993, pp. 817–30. JSTOR,
https://doi.org/10.2307/3734416. (accessed 1 April, 2023)
- Hagan, John. "The Gothic and the Anti-heroine in Wuthering Heights." The Journal of
Narrative Technique 14, no. 3 (1984): 155-68.
- Kettle, Arnold. "Emily Bronte and the Negative Aesthetic." Critical Quarterly 3, no. 3
(1961): 256-69.
- White, Fred D. "The Structure of Wuthering Heights." PMLA 69, no. 2 (1954): 443-51.
- Wilson, H. H. "Emily Bronte and the Gothic Tradition." The Sewanee Review 37, no. 4
(1929): 424-34.
- Eagleton, Terry. "Myth and Literature: A Reconsideration of Wuthering Heights." New
Literary History 3, no. 2 (1972): 299-316.

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