Restriction and differences of class in Wutherning Heights
Issues raised such as:
- inferiority of lower class
- restrictions of class system
- landed gentry now competing with nouveau rich
- people being labelled by their position in society
Quotes
"Tell her what Heathcliff is - an unreclaimed creature, without refinement - without cultivation; an arid wilderness of furze and whinstone." v. 1, chap. 10, pg. 102
Characterisation -
Characterisation -
- Heathcliff is some kind of wild creature, without culture and who cannot be controlled. This characterisation of Heathcliff highlights his inability to join the upper class, even though he is now a self-made gentleman
"His countenance was much older in expression and decision of feature than Mr Linton's; it looked intelligent, and retained no marks of former degradation. A half-civilised ferocity lurked yet in the depressed brows and eyes full of black fire, but it was subdued; and his manner was even dignified: quite divested of roughness, though stern for grace." v. 1, chap. 10, pg. 96
Characterisation -
Characterisation -
- Heathcliff has now worked his way up into higher society, even becoming greater than Edgar Linton, a member of landed gentry. However, even though he is now wealthy and commands respect, he is unable to escape his past life, and remains untamed. Within his eyes are 'ferocity' still lurked, but still subdued. Heathcliff will remain attached to a lower class, uncivilised, identity.
"The guest now the master at Wuthering Heights" v. 2, chap. 3, pg. 188
Narrative Structure -
Narrative Structure -
- Heathcliff has now succeeded to reverse his downtrodden position, becoming the owner of Wuthering Heights, when previously he was merely a guest. Heathcliff, against social expectations, has been able to rise up into upper society.
"Still, I thought I could detect in his physiognomy a mind owing better qualities than his father ever possessed. Good things lost amid a wilderness of weeds, … yet notwithstanding, evidence of a wealthy soil that might yield luxuriant crops…" v. 2, chap. 4, pg. 196
Point of view -
Point of view -
- Even though Hareton appeared uncivilised and wild, Nelly recognizes that there was still hope, and that he could take his place in upper society (considering he was born into it, but due to Heathcliff, grew up in lower class conditions).
"… the boy finding animation enough while discussing Hareton's faults, and deficiencies, and relating anecdotes of his goings on; and the girl relishing his pert and spiteful sayings, without considering the ill nature they evinced …" v. 2, chap. 7, pg. 221
Characterisation, point of view -
Characterisation, point of view -
- The upper class consider the lower classes to be inferior, and take pleasure and amusement because of their flaws and faults. To them, they are of no concern, and do not pose a threat to their control or way of life.
"He (Heathcliff) is a dark- skinned gipsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman" v. 1, chap. 1, pg. 5
Characterisation, Point of view -
Characterisation, Point of view -
- Heathcliff is not a true gentleman and as he is only a gentleman in ‘dress and manners’ which suggests that society has only impacted him on the outside. He is motivated by his love for Catherine, and we may question whether society actually impacts him because it seems that he only changes himself in order to be worthy of her. Thus, Bronte is hinting to us that society influences us all, even indirectly to someone like Heathcliff, through characterisation and his large transformation when he procures wealth and power for Catherine.
"I shall like to be the greatest woman in the neighbourhood" v. 1, chap. 9, pg. 72
Characterisation, narrative Structure -
Characterisation, narrative Structure -
- This is in stark contrast to her earlier behaviour running free and wild on the moors and through the sudden shift in Catherine’s character, Bronte may be highlighting to the reader that part of growing up is conforming to societal expectations.