Wuthering Heights: Question 5

This novel takes place from about 1750-early 1800's. It reflects very greatly the social issues of the time period. The whole book basically springs from the fact that Catherine and Heathcliff's social classes are to different and they can't be together. Social class is also the biggest factor in as to why Catherine wishes to marry Edgar instead of Heathcliff. She wishes to become "the greatest lady of the neighborhood" as she tells Nelly (Mrs. Dean). This book also reflects the behavioral issue of punishment in that time period. If you were to do something wrong during that time period, it was acceptable to be beaten for it. If that was to happen in the present, you could potentially go to jail for it. I feel this book symbolizes the twisted roller-coaster ride we choose to get on when we enter into the adventure of love. Catherine doesn't like Heathcliff. Now Catherine and Heathcliff are inseparable. Oh wait! Catherine's going to marry someone else! Here's another twist! Then Heathcliff decides he's going to come back and complicate things even further! Here's were the roller-coaster comes to that unexpected hault: Catherine dies, and Heathcliff is left without her on this horrible place we call earth.

Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Height. New York: Random House, 1943. Prints.