Wuthering Heights as a Victorian Novel : Thinking Literature

“Wuthering Heights,” written by Emily Brontë, is a classic Victorian novel that captures the essence of the time. This literary masterwork, published in 1847, is set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. A reclusive person, Emily Brontë was one of the Brontë sisters, and her novel was published under the pseudonym “Ellis Bell.” Reflecting the dominant Victorian literary tradition, Brontë explores the intricacies of human emotions and cultural customs in this stormy and passionate tale of love, retribution, and social class. In this essay, we will explore how “Wuthering Heights” embodies the values and themes of the Victorian era, making it an enduring work of literature.

Table of Contents

Historical and Literary Context

The Victorian era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901 while Queen Victoria was reigning, was a crucial time in British history and culture. The Victorian age was defined by significant social, political, and economic developments, such as the industrial revolution, urbanization, and the growth of the British Empire. The industrial revolution, urbanization, and the growth of the British Empire were among the major social, economic, and political transformations that defined it. In addition to struggling with immediate problems like poverty, gender roles, and morality, Victorian society was firmly stratified by class hierarchies. During this time, literature was frequently used to reflect and critique these conventions and cultural developments. Among the many literary genres that shaped the Victorian era, novels in particular became extremely popular and contributed to its rich tapestry. The literary tradition of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” is noteworthy because of its exploration of the darker facets of human nature and society, coupled with its engagement with Victorian era’s themes and values.

Morality and Social Class in “Wuthering Heights”

The sharp contrast between the Earnshaws and the Lintons is one of the main ways that “Wuthering Heights” effectively captures the extreme differences in socioeconomic status. The Earnshaws, who live in the bleak and unforgiving Wuthering Heights, are symbolic of the lower class and are known for their wild and passionate personalities. On the other hand, the well-educated and sophisticated Lintons who reside in Thrushcross Grange represent the upper class. By contrasting the Earnshaws’ irresponsible behavior with the Lintons’ formality and decency, Emily Brontë draws attention to the moral principles of Victorian society. The investigation of class and morality highlights the inflexibility of Victorian conventions, since the decisions and outcomes of the characters are significantly influenced by their social status.

Love and Passion in “Wuthering Heights”

The novel “Wuthering Heights” explores the depths of love and passion, showcasing a range of relationships characterized by intensity and, occasionally, destructiveness. In addition to defying social norms, Heathcliff and Catherine’s intense and turbulent love highlights the irrational and consuming nature of love. Victorian ideas regarding marriage as a social contract are reflected in Catherine’s decision to wed Edgar Linton for social security as opposed to pursuing her deep emotional bond with Heathcliff. The results of unbridled passion are also demonstrated by Heathcliff’s spiteful and destructive acts during his relationship with Isabella Linton. Emily Brontë’s examination of love and passion highlights the inconsistencies and intricacies of Victorian mindsets, wherein deeply held feelings of passion frequently collided with social conventions.

Gothic Elements in the Novel

The Gothic elements present in “Wuthering Heights” evoke a feeling of mystery and gloom. The lonely, barren landscape of the moorland, dotted with massive, dilapidated homes, evokes a sense of dread. The supernatural aspects, such as Catherine’s spectral appearances, give the story an unsettling depth. The duality of characters like Heathcliff and Catherine as doubles reflects the Gothic preoccupation with doppelgängers. These characteristics were common in Victorian Gothic literature, where novelists used such elements to arouse anxiety, psychological complexity, and a sense of the unknown, providing a powerful background for exploring the darker facets of society and human nature.

The Narrators and Narrative Structure

The novel “Wuthering Heights” utilizes an intricate narrative framework, featuring numerous narrators such as Mr. Lockwood, Nelly Dean, and even the diaries of other characters. This multi-layered narrative highlights the subjectivity of each character’s experiences and feelings by presenting a variety of points of view on the story as a whole. This illustrates the increasing fascination with psychology and the study of the human mind during the Victorian era. The novel explores the nuances of the inner workings, emotions, and motivations of the characters by presenting their points of view, echoing the Victorian fascination with the complexity of human psychology and the fluidity of truth.

Nature and the environment

“Wuthering Heights” perfectly captures the Victorian era’s concern for the natural world. The novel’s striking depictions of the stark, untamed landscapes and the Yorkshire moors capture the Victorians’ evolving understanding of nature and their shifting relationship to it during an era of urbanization and industrialization. The wild natural environment that Emily Brontë depicts provides a backdrop for the story’s intense human emotions and conflicts, highlighting Victorian interest in the relationship between humans and nature—a theme that grew in importance during the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Wuthering Heights” explores themes of social class, morality, love, and passion, all of which perfectly capture the essence of the Victorian era. Victorian societal norms and expectations are in line with the novel’s stark depiction of class differences and the moral values of its characters. The story’s intense and frequently destructive relationships highlight the conflict between strong emotional ties and society norms, reflecting Victorian views on marriage and love. The era’s fascination with psychological depth and the inner workings of the human mind is reflected in the use of multiple narrators, the dark setting, and the Gothic elements. “Wuthering Heights” stands as a striking embodiment of the Victorian literary tradition, engaging with the period’s values and complexities in a manner that continues to resonate with readers today.