Emily Bronte’s novel “Wuthering Heights”, which was firstly published in London in 1847, has raised many discussions and disagreements. One of the most disputable issues regarding this novel is the question whether “Wuthering Heights” belongs to Romanticism or Realism. For better understanding of the problem it is important to define these notions. Thus, in brief, Romanticism in literature “is more concerned with emotion than rationality. It values the individual over society, nature over city. It questions or attacks rules, conventions and social protocol” (luc.edu). Meanwhile, the concept of Realism refers to representing “events and social conditions as they actually are, without idealization” (luc.edu). It should be noted that Romanticism and Classical Realism developed almost at the same time in English literature of mid-nineteenth century. Lueberg described Bronte’s writing manner in the following way: “Emily Bronte united these diverse traditions successfully in her only novel Wuthering Heights (1847). Closely observed regional detail, precisely handled plot, and a sophisticated use of multiple internal narrators are combined with vivid imagery and an extravagantly Gothic theme (47).” This paper focuses on the evidences which support the claim that Bronte’s novel is thought to be a hybrid-novel, partly romantic and partly realistic.
First of all, this paper will discuss the “romantic” side of the “Wuthering Heights”. The two main characters – Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, reveal the romantic nature of the novel through their relationships and their very characters. Romanticism is characterized by the idea that imagination and emotion are more important than reason and formal rules (odessa.edu). In Romanticism elevated feelings and emotions are very important. The story of Catherine and Heathcliff’s love is also full of passion and reveals the connection between the two of them on spiritual level despite the negative feelings, jealousy and revenge. The character of Heathcliff can be called “circular”, i.e. he had a certain status as a boy, but later became a servant for a while. Although he returns back to the life of an aristocrat later, his values and attitudes do not change (Mezo, 13). To proceed, it must be noted that romantic elements are closely related to Gothic theme. Gothic elements, such as supernatural forces and mystical powers, are undoubtedly present in the novel. For example, Mr. Lockwood dreams of Catherine being a ghost who tried to enter through the window in the beginning of the novel. Moreover, the Gothic in the Bronte’s work is expressed through tyranny, violence and madness which can be proved by Heathcliff’s character. The reader does not know what to expect from his behavior. He seems to be mad, sometimes even evil man. Meanwhile, Catherine cannot be characterized as a Romantic hero. Although she is in love with Heathcliff, she sacrifices this love for position in the society and social status. It might be added that her egoistic character was the reason why their love became destructive and lead them to loneliness and desire for revenge.
Bronte’s preoccupation with the nature as supreme power also relates “Wuthering Heights” to the literary period of Romanticism. Moreover, weather is strongly connected to the feelings and states of the characters of the novel. For example, a strong wind was blowing at the time of Mr. Earnshaw’s death. The very word “wuthering” takes the reader to understanding that the winds blow around the house and there is no peace at that place. In addition, it seems that the whole novel is based on contrasts and oppositions, not only regarding the literary genres. For example, McCarthy and Spring notice that there are only two houses – Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, each symbolizing storm and calmness respectively (18). This conflict of stormy and calm sides also remains in interpersonal relations between characters of Catherine and Heathcliff. Moreover, interest in death is also an important Romantic element and this motif is quite vivid in the novel. Chatherine’s death is not simple. It involves physical as well as moral or emotional suffering leaving Heathcliff alone with his grief. However, Bronte clearly showed how “the passion driving Catherine and Heathcliff and their obsessive love for each other are the center of their being and transcend death” (academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu).
In addition, Bronte’s novel places much emphasis on social differences between people and mostly the difference between Catherine and Heathcliff. She is the daughter of Mr. Earnshaw, while he is only a boy who was picked “on the street” and raised by Mr. Earnshaw. Even though they grew together and truly loved each other, social status became the reason for their breakup. Catherine decided to marry Edgar in order to acquire stable social position. By this example, the conclusion can be made that Victorian society valued status more than internal feelings. The novel also depicts patriarchal society of the beginning of nineteenth age. Emily Bronte seems to show the structure of the whole society resting only upon the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.
Works Cited
academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu. The Romantic Novel, Romanticism, and Wuthering Heights. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
literature.org. Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
luc.edu. American Literary History: Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
Luebering, J. E. , ed. English Literature from the 19th Century Through Today. 2010. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
McCarthy, Frances and Michael Spring. Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. 1984. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
Mezo, Richard E. A Student's Guide to Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. 2002. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
odessa.edu. Characteristics of Romantic Literature. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
