The Power of Love in Wuthering Heights
Many readers argue that Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is anything but a romance. Although it does not follow the conventional form of the Victorian Romance novels, it can be argued that it is one of the greatest love stories of all 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 they accomplish. The most controversial and the predominant love represented in this novel is that of "spiritual love." This form of love is the one shared between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw Linton. This bond is expressed by Catherine when she tells Nelly, "I can not express it; but surely you and every body have a notion that there is, or should be, an existence of yours beyond 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 watched and felt each from the beginning; my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and, if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the Universe would turn to a mighty str
Time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees - my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath - a source of little visible delight but necessary. She knows that marrying Heathcliff would cause them both a lifetime of misery, as they would live as beggars. " (page 81) It may be hard for most people to understand their bond, as very few people ever experience a love of this type during their lifetime. At this point Catherine acknowledges that the only way her and Heathcliff will ever be together is through death. Understanding the love of these two people, Catherine and Heathcliff, would bring envy to anyone. Somehow it is known, through this symbolism, that all that was evil will turn to love. Although this is not a romantic love, it is a love that is unconditional and timeless. What Catherine does not realize is that by denying herself a union with Heathcliff results in a tragedy deeper than she can comprehend. After Catherine deserts him to marry Linton, Heathcliff is unable to feel anything but hate and anger for others. After her marriage to Edgar, and the return of Heathcliff; Catherine is torn apart spiritually , mentally and emotionally when she realizes what she has done. Heathcliff, unfortunately, never understands her actions for what they truly are, and chaos results. However, if one truly understands the meaning behind Emily Bronte's writing, the only emotion that can be felt for Heathcliff is that of sympathy and pity. What will endure is an easier and more plausible love represented by Hareton and Cathy. Everything in the story happens through Heathcliff, and results from the distortion of his personality because of this thwarted love.
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