Table of Contents

Analyze the use of symbolism in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights

Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” is a novel that explores themes of love, revenge, and the destructive power of passion. The novel is set in the bleak moors of Yorkshire and tells the story of the Earnshaw and Linton families. One of the most notable features of the novel is the use of symbolism, which is used to represent various themes and ideas throughout the novel. In this essay, we will analyze the use of symbolism in “Wuthering Heights.”

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The first and perhaps most obvious symbol in the novel is the moors themselves. The moors are a vast and desolate landscape that surrounds the two main houses in the novel, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. The moors represent both the wildness and the isolation of the characters who inhabit them. They are also a symbol of the elemental forces of nature, which are often in conflict with the human characters in the novel.

Also Read:-

The second symbol that is used throughout the novel is the weather. The weather in “Wuthering Heights” is often violent and unpredictable, with frequent storms and high winds. The weather is used to mirror the moods and emotions of the characters. For example, when Catherine dies, there is a violent storm, which symbolizes the chaos and devastation that her death has caused.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The third symbol in the novel is the two houses themselves, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Wuthering Heights is a dark and brooding place, while Thrushcross Grange is light and airy. The two houses represent the opposing forces of nature and civilization. Wuthering Heights is a symbol of the wild and untamed passions of the characters, while Thrushcross Grange represents the more refined and civilized aspects of human nature.

The fourth symbol in the novel is the character of Heathcliff. Heathcliff is a dark and brooding character, who is often associated with the moors and the wildness of nature. He is also associated with the color black, which is often used to symbolize death and despair. Heathcliff is a symbol of the destructive power of passion and revenge. His desire for revenge against those who have wronged him consumes him and ultimately leads to his own destruction.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The fifth symbol in the novel is the character of Catherine. Catherine is a complex character who is often associated with the moors and the wildness of nature. She is also associated with the color white, which is often used to symbolize purity and innocence. Catherine is a symbol of the conflict between the wild and untamed passions of the characters and the more civilized and refined aspects of human nature.

The sixth symbol in the novel is the character of the ghost. The ghost is a recurring motif in “Wuthering Heights,” and is often associated with the supernatural and the unexplained. The ghost is a symbol of the past, which haunts the characters throughout the novel. It represents the unresolved issues and conflicts that have shaped the lives of the characters.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The seventh symbol in the novel is the character of the dog. The dog is a recurring motif in “Wuthering Heights,” and is often associated with the wildness of nature. The dog is a symbol of the loyalty and devotion that the characters feel towards each other. It also represents the animalistic and instinctual aspects of human nature.

The eighth symbol in the novel is the character of the tree. The tree is a recurring motif in “Wuthering Heights,” and is often associated with the moors and the wildness of nature. The tree is a symbol of the life force that exists within the characters. It represents the resilience and strength that the characters possess, even in the face of adversity.

Wuthering Heights “Summary”

Wuthering Heights is a novel by Emily Bronte that was first published in 1847. The novel is set in the moors of Yorkshire, England and tells the story of the passionate love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling who is taken in by Catherine’s father. The novel is narrated by the character of Lockwood, a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, who becomes fascinated by the history of the Earnshaws and the Lintons, the two families whose fates are intertwined with that of Heathcliff.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The novel begins with Lockwood renting Thrushcross Grange, a house owned by a Mr. Heathcliff, who lives in the nearby manor of Wuthering Heights. Lockwood visits Wuthering Heights to meet his landlord and is intrigued by the rough, unwelcoming nature of the inhabitants. He becomes curious about the past of the house and its inhabitants, and asks his housekeeper, Nelly Dean, to tell him the story.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-The narrative then goes back to the time when Mr. Earnshaw, the owner of Wuthering Heights, brings home a young boy whom he found on the streets of Liverpool. The boy is dirty, ragged, and does not speak English. Mr. Earnshaw names him Heathcliff and raises him as his own son. Heathcliff becomes close to Catherine, Mr. Earnshaw’s daughter, and the two of them form a deep and intense bond.

However, Catherine’s brother Hindley dislikes Heathcliff and treats him cruelly. When Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights and becomes even more abusive towards Heathcliff. Catherine, torn between her love for Heathcliff and her desire for social status, marries Edgar Linton, a wealthy and refined young man.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-Heathcliff, heartbroken by Catherine’s betrayal, leaves Wuthering Heights and returns years later as a wealthy and mysterious man. He seeks revenge on those who wronged him in the past, and his arrival sets off a series of events that lead to tragedy for both the Earnshaws and the Lintons.

As the novel progresses, we see the destructive effects of Heathcliff’s obsession with Catherine and his desire for revenge. He forces Catherine’s daughter Cathy to marry his own son Linton in order to gain control of Thrushcross Grange. He also manipulates and abuses Linton, who dies young. Heathcliff becomes increasingly tormented by his memories of Catherine and is haunted by her ghost.

Analyze the use of symbolism in Wuthering Heights:-In the end, Heathcliff dies, having never been able to fully let go of his love for Catherine. Cathy and Hareton, Hindley’s son and the last surviving members of the two families, fall in love and find a way to move past the legacy of violence and hatred that has plagued their families for generations.

Wuthering Heights is a novel that explores themes of love, revenge, social class,and the destructive power of obsession. Emily Bronte’s vivid descriptions of the moors and the wild landscapes of Yorkshire, along with her complex characters and intricate plot, have made the novel a classic of English literature.

Conclusion

Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” is a novel that makes extensive use of symbolism to explore its themes and ideas. The moors, weather, houses, characters, ghosts, dogs, and trees all serve as symbols that represent different aspects of the human experience. Through these symbols, Bronte creates a rich and complex world that reflects the passions and conflicts of her characters. The use of symbolism in the novel adds depth and nuance to the story and makes it a timeless masterpiece of literature.

FAQ.

Q: What is the meaning of life?

A: The meaning of life is a philosophical and existential question that has been debated by scholars and thinkers for centuries. There is no one definitive answer, as it is subjective and can vary from person to person. Some may find meaning in religion, others in personal relationships, and still others in creative pursuits or a sense of personal fulfillment.

Q: What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

A: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting oneself in another person’s shoes and feeling what they feel. Sympathy, on the other hand, is feeling sorry for someone or expressing pity for their situation. While both empathy and sympathy involve a degree of emotional connection, empathy requires a deeper level of understanding and connection with the other person’s experience.

Q: What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

A: Both metaphor and simile are figures of speech used to make a comparison between two things. The main difference is that a metaphor directly states that one thing is another, while a simile uses “like” or “as” to compare two things. For example, “She is a rose” is a metaphor, while “She is like a rose” is a simile.

Q: What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

A: Fiction is a literary genre that includes imaginative or invented stories, characters, and events. Non-fiction, on the other hand, is a literary genre that includes factual or true stories, events, and information. Fiction is often used for entertainment or artistic expression, while non-fiction is used for education or conveying information.