I read Wuthering Heights about 10 years ago, but your essay brought back the memories of reading it. Heathcliff is such a strangely alluring character that goes far beyond the typical “bad boy” trope of the 21st century. I particularly enjoyed how you spoke about Cathy’s own monstrosity as well. The Gothic Romanticism of this novel exposes the inner monsters all humans have. Great essay!
thank you for so elegantly capturing Heathcliff’s complexity and intensity. He is by far one of my favorite literary characters and so complex in design. I always like Emily more than her sisters, and Wuthering Heights is, in my opinion, leagues beyond Jane Eyre but somehow doesn’t receive near as much attention. I’m interested to read more about your journey through the classics.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this essay. I do love Heacthliff too, he was a product of just his surroundings. Cathy was born with everything she wanted and really had no excuse for her behavior. Jane Eyre always seemed very restrictive to me, there was an air of stiff, orthodox ideologies while Wuthering Heights was more chaotic and free. It's a funny thing how each book leaves crumbs of aesthetic value once you read it, and that's all I remember of them. Next edition is on the Scarlet Letters, will be coming soon :)
It’s really refreshing to read a response to a book that includes insight into how you personally relate to a story. I have mixed feelings about Wuthering Heights. I have never understood the appeal of worshipping Byronic heroes (men or women) but they are still a hugely popular theme in modern fiction, so I am keen to understand the dynamic between Heathcliff and Cathy more. I wonder how much of how they behave towards each other is by choice/intent? You’ve helped me see more nuance!
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I totally think the fascination over Byronic heroes is because none of them truly exist in the real world, not at the capacity the authors view it anyway. There might be some form of this rebelliousness, but they all have a terrible ending. This is evident in all the similar characters - Mr. Rochester, Heathcliff, Cathy. Frankestien. I think Cathy & Heathcliff in particular are interesting because Heathcliff seemed like a normal shy boy before he entered their house , but changes as his interactions with Cathy increases. So I do think she had a lot to do with his evolution as well. The other theory is because our narrator is Nelly, who is a devout Christian and at times seemingly jealous of Cathy's life might have sabotaged their relationship in the first place. Since she's the one who didn't let Cathy know that Heathcliff was eavesdropping into their conversation when she confessed Linton proposed to her. Hope you keep searching, I know for sure if I re-read again I'll find more nuances.
OBSESSED with the way you so beautifully captured this dark and tragic love, not withholding the brutal ways in which it can consume and destroy, while also being a source of meaning for one's existence. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.
Thank you so much for your comment! I love how there can be so many different perceptions over the same book. And Wuthering Heights does that. I love the supernatural aspects to it as well. Keeps you guessing what's true or not. It's cold and dreary where I live, so finding solace in some of these gothic novels has been fun. Thanks again for being here!
I read Wuthering Heights about 10 years ago, but your essay brought back the memories of reading it. Heathcliff is such a strangely alluring character that goes far beyond the typical “bad boy” trope of the 21st century. I particularly enjoyed how you spoke about Cathy’s own monstrosity as well. The Gothic Romanticism of this novel exposes the inner monsters all humans have. Great essay!
I so appreciate you reading this. It really gives me so much joy to be able to evoke such emotions among the readers. Truly, appreciative.
thank you for so elegantly capturing Heathcliff’s complexity and intensity. He is by far one of my favorite literary characters and so complex in design. I always like Emily more than her sisters, and Wuthering Heights is, in my opinion, leagues beyond Jane Eyre but somehow doesn’t receive near as much attention. I’m interested to read more about your journey through the classics.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this essay. I do love Heacthliff too, he was a product of just his surroundings. Cathy was born with everything she wanted and really had no excuse for her behavior. Jane Eyre always seemed very restrictive to me, there was an air of stiff, orthodox ideologies while Wuthering Heights was more chaotic and free. It's a funny thing how each book leaves crumbs of aesthetic value once you read it, and that's all I remember of them. Next edition is on the Scarlet Letters, will be coming soon :)
Can’t wait!
It’s really refreshing to read a response to a book that includes insight into how you personally relate to a story. I have mixed feelings about Wuthering Heights. I have never understood the appeal of worshipping Byronic heroes (men or women) but they are still a hugely popular theme in modern fiction, so I am keen to understand the dynamic between Heathcliff and Cathy more. I wonder how much of how they behave towards each other is by choice/intent? You’ve helped me see more nuance!
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I totally think the fascination over Byronic heroes is because none of them truly exist in the real world, not at the capacity the authors view it anyway. There might be some form of this rebelliousness, but they all have a terrible ending. This is evident in all the similar characters - Mr. Rochester, Heathcliff, Cathy. Frankestien. I think Cathy & Heathcliff in particular are interesting because Heathcliff seemed like a normal shy boy before he entered their house , but changes as his interactions with Cathy increases. So I do think she had a lot to do with his evolution as well. The other theory is because our narrator is Nelly, who is a devout Christian and at times seemingly jealous of Cathy's life might have sabotaged their relationship in the first place. Since she's the one who didn't let Cathy know that Heathcliff was eavesdropping into their conversation when she confessed Linton proposed to her. Hope you keep searching, I know for sure if I re-read again I'll find more nuances.
OBSESSED with the way you so beautifully captured this dark and tragic love, not withholding the brutal ways in which it can consume and destroy, while also being a source of meaning for one's existence. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.
Thank you so much for taking your time to read and understand the intention behind it <3
Thank you so much for your comment! I love how there can be so many different perceptions over the same book. And Wuthering Heights does that. I love the supernatural aspects to it as well. Keeps you guessing what's true or not. It's cold and dreary where I live, so finding solace in some of these gothic novels has been fun. Thanks again for being here!