Wuthering Heights

 Disclaimer: This review has spoilers 

Title: Wuthering Heights

Author: Emily Bronte

Genre: Gothic romance, Classic

The book begins with Mr Lockwood visiting an old and decomposing "Wuthering Heights", which is enchanted with mysteries, agony and apathy. Mr Lockwood prods and pokes every corner of the house in his curiosity and finally seeks Nelly Dean, the housekeeper's help in his investigation. Nelly then narrates the events that have led to the gloom of the house and its occupants. The story then moves back by 40 years, marking the day Heathcliff became a part of Catherine's life. From childhood playmates to star crossed lovers, Catherine and Heathcliff develop a strong and intense relationship. The rest of the story is a consequence of the love and raging passion for each other.

This was the second time I picked up Wuthering Heights but unlike the last time, I completed it. I must say that it is a difficult book for a complete novice to literature. The language is old and the times have changed. Many parts of this book are impossible to relate to, as 200 years have passed since the book was first published. This time-lapse seems like a short one but a marvellous number of changes have taken place from the role of a woman in society to our healthcare system. For example, women in those days got married as soon as they entered their teenage. Service to their husband and their children was their only priority. The concept of a woman as an "individual" with dreams and goals has come up very recently.

In such circumstances was Catherine Earnshaw when she chose her husband and family over her soulmate. This decision of hers took a toll on her beloved Heathcliff and forms the crux of the story. No matter how much I accuse Heathcliff of being a tyrant, I do agree with the fact that he was in favour of Catherine living life on her terms. He didn't want her to bend to society and the idea of a perfect family. He was an unconventional man and wanted Catherine to break free from the bondage to society and lead a life of happiness. 

Sadly, Catherine chose to live a conventional life. She was trapped under the mirage of "perfection" and could never be happy. She died of guilt as she had betrayed herself, Heathcliff and her husband Edward Linton. The fury of not receiving any affection or happiness takes over Heathcliff and makes him a classic Byronic hero. 

The second half of the book which transits from Heathcliff being abused to abusing others is very grim and desolate. So much so that I pondered on abandoning the book. But Emily Bronte's writing was so engaging that I had to read it till the end. 

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about human psychology as the author has touched upon sociopathic as well as narcissistic tendencies. The description of the moors and the ghostly setting that was foreboding an incoming catastrophe, has made an impression on my mind. The most surprising aspect of this book is the fact that although the genre is gothic romance it is as engaging as a thriller or a horror book.