Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice both exemplify extraordinary works of literature; however, Wuthering Heights would be the best to study because Bronte surrounds the characters with contrasting environments and emotions that develop the suspenseful plot. As Herbert Goldstone states, “the principles of storm and calm” are witnessed within the places of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. While the former produces a chilling, dark effect upon the reader, the latter creates an open, inviting environment. Each environment consumes it’s inhabitants and provides for a chilling story. Little Catherine seems innocent and naïve while living at Thrushcross Grange, but upon being forced to live with Hareton at Wuthering Heights, her demeanor and attitude completely change. This alteration of behavior can be traced to the environments Bronte describes so perfectly in her novel. Jane Austen’s novel, however, focuses on social satire and romance. While these are enticing subjects, they seem to be quite too common in English literature. Bronte’s use of contrast and emotions seem to grasp the reader’s interest in this atypical novel. The “great force of feeling” each character witnesses and experiences provides the reader with a sense of understanding to the themes of revenge and guilt. The range of emotions, Edgar’s gentle and endearing love and Heathcliff’s overbearing and intense affection, creates great contrast. Austen’s novel, however, fails to exhibit complex feelings besides pride and prejudice. Therefore, Wuthering Heights would be the best choice to study because Bronte exhibits how contrasting settings, characters, and emotions can bond together to create excellent literature.
Word Count: 255
Goldstone, Herbert. "Wuthering Heights Revisited." The English Journal XLVIII (1949): 4.
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1 comment:
Mary,
The strongest claim in your post is that Austen's novel contains themes that are "quite too common in English literature." It is valid to argue that WH is just so different from anything else read in class that it should have a place for no other reason than to provide contrast in the classroom. You could have spent much less time on plot early on and used your words to develop what is so unsual in WH. Well done.
Mrs. G
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