Wuthering Heights And Power Of LoveMany readers argue that Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is anything but aromance. Although it does not follow the conventional form of the VictorianRomance novels, it can be argued that it is one of the greatest love stories ofall time. The traditional forms of love may not be represented in this story,but one can not argue that love is the predominant theme throughout the book. What else but love could possibly drive the characters to the ends which theyaccomplish.
The most controversial and the predominant love represented in thisnovel is that of ?spiritual love. ? This form of love is the one sharedbetween Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw Linton. This bond is expressed byCatherine when she tells Nelly, ?I can not express it; but surely you andevery body have a notion that there is, or should be, an existence of yoursbeyond you. What were the use of my creation if I were entirely contained here?My great miseries in this world have been Heathcliff’s miseries, and I watchedand felt each from the beginning; my great thought in living is himself. If allelse perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and, if all elseremained, and he were annihilated, the Universe would turn to a mightystranger. .
. . Nelly, I am Heathcliff . ? (page 81) It may be hard for most peopleto understand their bond, as very few people ever experience a love of this typeduring their lifetime. The only comparisons that may be offered for an attemptat understanding may perhaps be the bond felt by someone regarding their firstlove. Although this relationship may end, a special connection will always befelt for this person, and the love that was felt will never be forgotten.
Asmany state, there will always be a special place in their heart for this person. Another example may be the love a parent feels for a child. Although this is nota romantic love, it is a love that is unconditional and timeless. Catherine andHeathcliff, through their own actions, are never able to truly act on their lovefor one another, and this tragedy is what allows us to experience the timelessclassic of Wuthering Heights.
With her marriage to Edgar Linton, Catherine makesit impossible for her and Heathcliff to ever be joined together. Although heractions seem selfish, she sees this as the only way that she can help raiseHeathcliff from the clutches of her brother Hindley. Heathcliff, unfortunately,never understands her actions for what they truly are, and chaos results. Thisimpeded love serves as the catalyst throughout the novel, bringing with ittragedy and revenge. Heathcliff is driven to reek havoc on all of those who heviews as wronging him in some form – except of course for Catherine.
Everythingin the story happens through Heathcliff, and results from the distortion of hispersonality because of this thwarted love. As long as he has Catherine, he canstand anything, but without her all of his emotions turn to hate. Some mayquestions whether or not Catherine loves Edgar Linton before she marries him. The only explanation that may be offered is that if she does love him, this lovecan only be defined as superficial. Catherine is unable to ever feel anythingmore spiritual for Edgar, as this part of herself is reserved for Heathcliffalone. Catherine expresses this emotion when she tells Nelly, ?My love forLinton is like the foliage in the woods.
Time will change it, I’m well aware,as winter changes the trees – my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocksbeneath – a source of little visible delight but necessary. ? (page 82) Sherealizes that her love for Heathcliff is far more important than what she feelsfor Edgar, but Edgar offers her a civilized, socially acceptable, andmaterialistic advantage. She knows that marrying Heathcliff would cause themboth a lifetime of misery, as they would live as beggars. What Catherine doesnot realize is that by denying herself a union with Heathcliff results in atragedy deeper than she can comprehend.
After her marriage to Edgar, and thereturn of Heathcliff; Catherine is torn apart spiritually , mentally andemotionally when she realizes what she has done. She realizes that it isimpossible for her to love Heathcliff and remain with Edgar and seeks releasethrough death. At this point Catherine acknowledges that the only way her andHeathcliff will ever be together is through death. She knows that it will beimpossible for her to enter heaven and will be able to wait for Heathcliff tocome to her. With her marriage to Edgar, the good in Heathcliff turns to evil,and he seeks vengeance upon everyone around him, except for Catherine. WhenHeathcliff returns from his three year absence, he arranges to once again seeCatherine.
Shortly thereafter, Catherine submits herself to her own death. Afterapproximately seventeen years of avenging his ?enemies?, Heathcliff finallyloses his desire to go on causing suffering to others. He realizes that he infact loves Hareton (his nemisis’ son) because of his resemblance to Catherine. Upon this revelation, he begins to eagerly await his own death, and his unionwith Catherine. Heathcliff and Catherine are examples of two people who loveeach other beyond the comprehension of most people.
The story is one of tragedy,and because of Heathcliff’s actions, many readers have a hard time viewing himas a hero. However, if one truly understands the meaning behind Emily Bronte’swriting, the only emotion that can be felt for Heathcliff is that of sympathyand pity. Through no action of his own, and only because of his birthright,Heathcliff is denied his one true love. Without the pressures of socialexpectations and usurpers, Heathcliff and Catherine may have married and changedthe course of their lives.
With Catherine, Heathcliff was a sedate and acceptingchildlike figure. After Catherine deserts him to marry Linton, Heathcliff isunable to feel anything but hate and anger for others. If Catherine andHeathcliff had been able to follow their hearts as Cathy and Hareton are, theywould have experienced the greatest love possible. When Hareton and Cathy planttheir garden at Wuthering Heights, and it begins to blossom, the readerunderstands that a rebirth is about to occur. Somehow it is known, through thissymbolism, that all that was evil will turn to love. Heathcliff and Cathy willbe united in death, and the love of Cathy and Hareton will bloom.
What willendure is an easier and more plausible love represented by Hareton and Cathy. Heathcliff is redeemed when even he recognizes this. He finally lets go of hisfeelings of bitterness and is joined with Catherine through death. This storyrepresents a great romantic tragedy, that may in fact be compared to Romeo andJuliet.
The fate of star crossed lovers who are unable to enjoy passion in lifeis to find redemption through death. To not understand that this is a lovestory, one beyond the comprehension of most, is a great loss to readers. To viewthis book only as one of violence, hate and revenge serves a great injustice. Understanding the love of these two people, Catherine and Heathcliff, wouldbring envy to anyone. To feel a love so strongly and so deeply is something thatmost of us will never be lucky enough to experience, and may never be able totruly comprehend.
