Wuthering Heights should be reread and taught in class, because it contains certain elements that many people are not familiar with such as the Byronic Hero and the deeper and darker concept of love that brings pain and self-destruction . As girls grow older, they encounter traditional concepts of Pride and Prejudice, like the strong heroine and the idea of marrying for love, in everyday life. These images are nothing new, but the notion of Wuthering Height’s Heathcliff as a hero instead of heartless, revengeful villain is harder to believe. Upon further inspection however, Heathcliff does fit the definition of a Byronic hero who “does not possess heroic virtue in the usual sense”, but instead is wildly passionate, deeply haunted by his past, and in Heathcliff’s case doomed to a life of agony by his love. Catherine and Heathcliff’s love cannot be taken lightly, because it is the only thing they each live for, yet it also brings their ultimate ruin in the end. This love does not provide them with happiness like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s love, but it does seem to be the redeeming quality in their tragic relationship. Both Bronte and Austen offer so much wisdom to their readers, but Austen clearly criticizes aspects of society that can be understood on the first reading. Bronte on the other hand seems to require multiple rereading and deep inspections of Wuthering Heights to fully understand all of her messages.
Word Count: 255
Citation:
“Characteristics of the Byronic Hero.” Charlotte’s Web: A Hypertext on Charlotte
Bronte’s Jane Eyre . University of Michigan. 12 Aug. 2008 .
1 comment:
Anna Lauren,
This is a strong opening sentence that acknowledges P and P as great and then turns to your primary claim. You have two main things going on here: first, the different kind of love Bronte explores and the value of studying it, and, secondly, the complexity that makes WH need to be studied closely in class. I think you could have picked one of these and really flushed it out - they are both strong and valid claims. Good job.
Mrs. G
Post a Comment