FREE ESSAY ON WUTHERING HEIGHTS

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Two Halves of a Whole
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a novel full of passion, love and betrayal. It
explores the love of two individuals and their influence on their surroundings. The story
occurs in a small town. In this area are the two homes of Wuthering Heights and
Thrushcross Grange. The vast contrasts between these houses symbolizes the people who
reside their and how these individuals effect the homes.
Wuthering Heights is portrayed as a dark, dismal mausoleum. There are long, narrow
hallways with little light. In fact, when Isabella returns from being married, she has
trouble finding her way across the house because it is so poorly lit. There is a dark
presence about Wuthering Heights. The residence is run down and the walls are fading and
peeling. Also it is a cold, drafty place. In fact, Linton always has fires going because
it is always so chilly. Wuthering Heights is a gloomy, oppressive place. 
On the other hand, Thrushcross Grange has a light, joyful presence. At this home, love is
bountiful and its occupants are happy. It is the picture of a loving husband and wife
with two beautiful children. The kids are seen playing with a dog, laughing, and having
fun. In fact, when Catherine, the main character visits them, she stays for months. They
treat her well, and she comes home refined and happy. Thrushcross Grange provides a
feeling of a house redolent with joy.
Just as the homes differ greatly, so do the home's inhabitants. Both of these houses
symbolize their main occupants. Heathcliff, Hareton, and Linton all live at Wuthering
Heights. Heathcliff is the dark, brooding character. He is mean, angry, and full of
revenge. He viciously beats his own son and niece. Then Heathcliff forces them to marry
each other, so that he can have control over Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange
when his son dies. Heathcliff also marries Isabella, a women he hates. He does this to
get revenge on her and her brother for having commented unfavorably about him. She is
treated so atrociously that she runs away while pregnant. Yet, Heathcliff does not care
and does not bother going after her. These are only a few of the actions of Heathcliff,
yet they show his cruel nature and dark personality. Heathcliff also treats Hareton
abdominally and thus Hareton becomes a younger version of Heathcliff. Hareton, too, is
mean and vengeful. He never says anything nice to anyone and shuts himself away from
others. Linton is Heathcliff's son, and is a manipulative scoundrel. He uses his illness
to coerce his cousin Cathy to visit him. Linton knows his father will force Cathy to
marry him, but afraid of a beating, he still asks Cathy to come. Linton then allows Cathy
to be held hostage in his home. He could obtain the key to let her out, but he is too
scared for himself to rescue his cousin. Apparent is the selfish and cruel
characteristics of these individuals. There is no joy in their lives, but they are filled
with bitter anger. These feelings are transferred to Wuthering Heights and thus both the
house and its occupants seem dismal and sinister. 
Residing at Thrushcross Grange are Edgar, Catherine, and Cathy. They epitomize good
people who are kind and not drawn to violence. Edgar never raises his hand to anyone. He
shows a sweet, gentle love to Catherine. He worries about her and take cares of her when
she is ill. Edgar never becomes mad when she spends time with Heathcliff. He gives her
anything she wants and is always kind to her. Although Catherine is not perfect, she is
basically a kind individual. She cares about Edgar and never yells at him or harms him.
Yet, it is really Catherine's outer beauty that is representative of Thrushcross Grange.
Catherine is fair and beautiful. She appears angelic and thus this beauty is translated
to her home. Cathy is a fine, young lady. She loves her father and stays at his side
constantly when he is ill. She even consents to marry Linton, so she can see her father.
Cathy is even kind to Linton who is a whining brat. Cathy is young, spirited, and happy.
These same traits are found at Thrushcross Grange. There is a impression of peace that is
felt by all.
Although it may seem that the homes control its occupants, it is actually the other way
around. As the inhabitants change, so do the homes. In the end, Wuthering Heights becomes
a happy, joyful place. It is surrounded by flowers and is a warm, safe haven. Much of
this change is due to the people living there. Heathcliff is no longer present and his
negative presence has disappeared. Hareton sheds his pessimistic demeanor and becomes a
good person. Cathy also comes to reside at Wuthering Heights and adds here positive
attributes. When the individuals are pleased, the houses seem like a happy place. Yet,
when the dwellers are mean and pessimistic, the homes seem dull and dreary. Thus it is
obvious that the residences alter to fit its inhabitants.