Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights shows a struggle between characters over issues such as social class, racism and love. Heathcliff, an orphan who was poor and dark-skinned, believed that he had to work hard to get to the top of society in order to win Catherine Earnshaw’s love. Heathcliff’s revenge was a response to Catherine choosing Edgar over the Earnshaws because of Edgar’s social standing. Heathcliff took revenge on the Earnshaws and Lintons because he wanted to be seen as a man of status.
The story developed around the idea of social class in this fictional setting. Class wasn’t solely based on a person’s salary but more so the source and connections of their family. The characters are clearly divided into the upper class, middle-class, and lower class. Wuthering Heights’ characters show the different classes based on their living conditions. Thrusscross Grange in a light, comfortable house was home to the Lintons, who were at the top social class. Heathcliff’s house and this house are in stark contrast. Earnshaws were exposed to harsh weather conditions, like snow and cold, which showed their working-class status. Heathcliff has been affected by his place in society, and the word ‘wuthering’is a term for severe weather conditions.
Heathcliffe’s revenge also stemmed from his youth. Heathcliff is described in the first paragraph. Heathcliff became an outsider in the Earnshaw’s home after he was called devilish, called “it”, and abused for his skin tone. He was constantly abused by his family members. Heathcliff loved Catherine Earnshaw and was willing to accept Hindley’s abuse, as he knew that Catherine would be his life partner. Nelly tells us in many flashbacks that Heathcliff was severely abused as a young boy. Heathcliff is able to return to the top of social ladder after three years, but only when Catherine marries Edgar Linton. Heathcliff’s desire to get revenge on Edgar is greater than his love for Catherine. His obsession has ruined lives at Thrusscross Grange. Everyone is ultimately unhappy as a result of Catherine’s selfish marriage to Edgar. Heathcliff weds Miss Isabella Linton for spite. Edgar is hurt because his love cannot be as eternal. The book continues to describe the characters with a depressing and internal tone.
Wuthering Heights contains several fictional standards which have led to the characters making careless decisions. Wuthering Heights’ classic theme is class. Heathcliff came from the lowest social class and he tried to prove himself to Catherine by becoming rich and influential. Heathcliff’s childhood abuse and mistreatment, along with Catherine’s selfish choice to marry someone else, has a great impact on him. He takes advantage of those who rejected him by marrying Isabella Linton as revenge against Catherine. Heathcliff has a lasting impact on Catherine and the other characters in the novel. Emily Bronte manages to make it difficult for Heathcliff not to be sympathetic, despite his wrongdoings. Both narrations offer two distinct perspectives. Marlow’s narration offers an outsider’s view, while Nelly, the servant, gives the real facts. Even today, people still discuss the tragic end of Heathcliff’s and Catherine’s epic love story.
