In Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë, Mr. Lockwood chronicles the time he spends in England at Thrushcross Grange. Thrushcross Grange is the name of the estate Lockwood rents from a man named Mr. Heathcliff—“a dark skinned gipsy” with a disdainful appearance (27).
The first impression I developed of Heathcliff was one of uncertainty. I could not decide whether he was a timid or malevolent individual upon meeting him for the first time in chapter 1 of Wuthering Heights. When Lockwood introduces himself to Heathcliff in chapter 1, Heathcliff does not seem to take any interest to Lockwood right away. Initially, Heathcliff was very solemn and frigid throughout the conversation he has with Lockwood. In fact, Lockwood describes Heathcliff as talking “. . .with closed teeth. . .no sympathizing to the words. . . .” in chapter 1 of Wuthering Heights (25). This exemplifies Heathcliff’s unwillingness to converse with Lockwood at that particular moment. From his actions, I could not help to think Heathcliff was annoyed by Lockwood’s presence as well. Consequently, “Heathcliff’s [icy] countenance relaxed into a grin” (28) when witnessing his dogs lunge for Lockwood’s knees at the close of chapter 1. This suggests Heathcliff was amused by the sight of his dogs leaping toward Lockwood, viciously. When Heathcliff saw how flustered and frustrated Lockwood appeared to be after his close encounter with Heathcliff’s pack of dogs, Heathcliff’s whole demeanor changed for the better. For this reason, I found Heathcliff to be bipolar and mentally instable in the beginning of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
I wonder if the confusion is deliberate. Are we supposed to be as confused as the narrator? I find my self lost in the story like I am trapped in a maze. I cannot figure out what is going on, who the characters are, what are their relationships and how are the locations connected.
ReplyDeleteI feel insane just reading the story.
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ReplyDeleteThere is a portrait being painted of Heathcliff and his family that is one with very many disturbing aspects. This kind of informal odd interaction was unheard of in that era, where hosts were expected to be welcoming and extremely cordial to guests. This simple difference points to the underlying problems apparent in the household. I think that this conflict is central to the drama of the story, where nothing happens as it could be expected.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Heathcliff's character switches from almost noble to unnerving at times. However, I think there is definite reasons to his more devilish side - he was often abused and tormented as a child, caused by being the favorite of old Mr. Earnshaw. I think his life is devoted to revenge for those accounts and he therefore, is consumed by some evil nature. In saying that, to see his associations with Catherine, we are able to see his more good-natured side. He might be good deep down inside, but can only emulate the negative effects that have been reaped upon him by others.
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