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.