Christian values in Wuthering Heights
Ideas concerning;
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Revenge
Quotes
"Forgiveness?” said Linton. "I have nothing to forgive her…"’ v. 1, chap. 14, pg. 145
Irony, Point of view
Irony, Point of view
- This example of Edgar Linton's grudging point of view is one of many throughout the novel, and conflicts with the social expectation that, in general, especially to strangers, people should be a little more forgiving, kind and polite than is showcased in the novel. (Edgar’s statement is somewhat ironic in that there is, in reality, plenty to be forgiven by every character in the novel.) The holding of grudges is a key element to the plot of Wuthering Heights, and serves as a catalyst for much of the conflict. The reader ends up seeing a need for these ideals in order to prevent social disorder and vindictiveness as oppose to relative harmony in today's society.
“I knocked over Hareton, who was hanging a litter of puppies from a chair in the doorway…” v. 2, chap. 3, pg. 183
Symbol - the hanging of a litter of puppies.
Symbol - the hanging of a litter of puppies.
- From this the reader realises that revenge, cruelty and vindictiveness follow a perpetual cycle through generations – this is seen more obviously with the parallels between the characters and plot of the first generation, Catherine, Heathcliff and Edgar, and the characters and plot of the second generation, Catherine, Hareton and Linton.
“It is, if I may take an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, for every wrench of agony, return a wrench, and reduce him (Heathcliff) to my level.” v. 2, chap. 3, pg. 181
Point of View
Point of View
- Isabella’s point of view here, her revenge mentality, is one that is shared by many characters in Wuthering Heights, and is once again shown to be fundamentally flawed. Had it not been for Heathcliff’s desire to ‘take an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’, as a response to Catherine marrying Edgar, Isabella would not be in the same position. Once again the reader learns that pursuing revenge is a futile act.
"Joseph contributed much to his Hareton’s deterioration" v. 2, chap. 6, pg. 181
Characterisation, conflict, metonym -
Characterisation, conflict, metonym -
- This conflict between Joseph and Hareton highlight the disparity between his actions and the Christianity he preaches. From his characterisation and perhaps his usage as a metonym for the deep religious values her father held, Bronte critiques the extreme Christian values of the Victorian Era, stemming from her own experiences when she lived at a parsonage where she rejected their religious expectations.
"It is for God to punish wicked people; we should learn to forgive." v. 1, chap. 7, pg. 56
Point of view -
Point of view -
- The lack of this core Christian expectation of forgiveness is questioned by Bronte as through Nelly’s point of view she forces us to realise that the benevolent impact of this Christian expectation is essential to society, otherwise we may find ourselves caught in a never-ending cycle of revenge.