Weathering the Heights (Wuthering Heights Essay)

19th century England was a time of strict societal structure. Women, in this time period, were expected to be polite, meek, and modest. One would understand why it would be difficult for a female author to operate under such circumstances. This provides a context for Bronte's work, as she

The dual nature of the narration in the novel serves thematic purposes, in that both provide commentary on the role of women in society. Little is revealed about the character of Mr. Lockwood, one of the two narrators of the story. This is particularly important because in the first chapter, he conveys an experience of a failed love. The anecdote serves to set up Bronte's feminist critique revealed throughout the remainder of the story. After falling in love with a woman, Lockwood describes a "look" he gave to the woman, which conveyed his love. "She understood me, at last, and looked a return - the sweetest of all imaginable looks - and what did I do? I confess it with shame - shrunk icily into myself, like a snail, at every glance retired colder and farther." (6) The woman's glances may be considered forward in light of the historical context. Thus, the woman's deviations from societal norms caused her to be rejected by the socially conscious Lockwood.

Catherine, in her unique position, however, takes on a political facet to her personality, a quality not associated with women at the time. She views her marriage with Edgar as a power, a power to “help” Heathcliff. She said, “If I marry Linton, I can aid Heathcliff to rise, and place him out of my brother’s power.” (82) Although this may seem a weak justification with an intense love on the line, it presents a woman in a position of power with the very real ability to completely alter another’s life.

The other narrator of the story, Nelly Dean, also provides insight to Bronte’s feminist message. Through her narration, she displays keen memory and an adept ability for storytelling. Lockwood’s description of her storytelling is an important clue to the feminist nature of the novel. He said, “She is, on the whole a very fair narrator and I don’t think I could improve her style.” (157) The implications of this compliment are multi-faceted. He recognizes that she is intelligent and considers her narration better than his own. Indeed, Nelly is very well read commenting that she had read just about everything in the library. On another level, Bronte is the actual narrator; so she is, in a way, complimenting her own style, thereby asserting her own ability to write. The importance of the quote is further supported by its structural placement within the text, located in the first paragraph of the second part of the novel.

Bronte’s only novel is highly critical of social conventions especially with regard to gender roles. Through the use of the compelling and powerful heroines of Cather

Some topics in this essay:
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