Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a gothic novel set in northern England. The novel illustrates the complex relationship between Heathcliff—an orphan taken in by the Earnshaw family—and Catherine Earnshaw. Heathcliff’s desire to be with Catherine is made more complicated due their differing desires—Heathcliff’s desire for revenge, and Catherine’s desire to uphold her social status. Their differing desires, individual flaws, and family difficulties additionally stand in the way of their relationship. As Heathcliff begins his journey towards revenge, he additionally attempts to gain control over Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses generations of connections between the families that inhabit Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, and they additionally see Heathcliff’s questionable transformation and growth.
While the novel’s plot is entertaining, it is often frustrating due to the novel’s large quantity of characters and tendency to leave out critical details. I was often left confused about which character Bronte was talking about, as two of the novel’s highly significant characters are both named Catherine. I was also unsatisfied with the novel’s ending—I found myself hoping for a more fulfilling conclusion that had a higher sense of accomplishment.