Wuthering Heights

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How effective are the first three chapters of Wuthering Heights in creating a sense of mystery and suspense?

In the opening three chapters of Wuthering Heights, Bronte uses numerous techniqes to generate a sense of mystery and suspense; including gothic devices and tension escalation leading to relief. In chapter threee where paranormal activities arise, the tension accumulates and a sense of horror is created. This contributes to the disorderly abode of Wuthering Heights. Bronte mentions the weather consistently to represent the dysfunction and secrecy that the household has maintained for years. Lockwood’s oblivion to the situation supplies more mystery and suspense because it puzzles the reader as we are not always certain of whether his assumptions are accurate.

In chapter one, we are introduced to our narrator, Mr Lockwood and his Landlord Mr Heathcliff. The opening instantly creates mystery because of Heathcliff’s hostile response- “his fingers sheltered themselves, with a jealous resolution, still further in his waistcoat…” to a friendly tenant Mr.Lockwood whose “heart warmed towards him” As a misanthropist would, Lockwood likes the fact that he lives in an area “so completely removed from the stir of society” but Heathcliff is “more exaggeratedly reserved” than Lockwood. This creates mystery and suspense because it puzzles the reader and makes us wonder why Heathcliff is so reserved and unsociable which leaves us with the not yet resolved question: Why is Heathcliff the way he is?

When Lockwood enters Wuthering Heights for the first time, he immediately finds himself surrounded by unpleasantness and violence. Although he feels unwanted and is treated with sheer hostility, his curiousity is aroused when he is in the company of such outlandish characters; therefore decides to stay and inspect. Joseph, who looks at Lockwood with a “sourly” face, the attacking of the dogs and Heathcliff, the “surly” owner of Wuthering Heights, are Lockwood’s initial impressions which combine to create the dysfunction and the mystery of the household. Lockwood is encouraged to come back again the following day but Heathcliff “evidently wished no repeatition of” Lockwoods intrusion. Heathcliff saw Lockwood’s visit as an ‘intrusion’ His reluctance to allow Lockwood into his home generates mystery and suspense, in the event that Lockwood might discover the hidden truth behind Wuthering Heights.

Chapter two opens with a description of the weather: “misty and cold”, “black frost”, “suffocating snow”, “bitter whirl of wind.” This is to set the sinister mood that swarms in and around Wuthering Heights. The “straggling Gooseberry bushes” that ran along the “bordered causeway”, the “bleak hill top” and the howling of dogs are all examples of phrases that Bronte uses to give an indication of the desolate surroundings of the building. The weather and the odd inhabitants of Wuthering Heights, correlate. As the weather is consistently cold, it gives an inclination of Heathcliff’s villainy and the dysfunctional family. It also shows how intrigued Lockwood was by the house that he (a misanthropist) went to the trouble of “wading through heath and mud” to get there.

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When Lockwood arrives, he is greeted by a “vinegar-faced” Joseph. Lockwood seems to be overwhelmed by the disobedient servant and his inability to stay civil without uttering acidic expressions for no apparent reason. His abnormal reaction to commands contradicts our beliefs on how a servant should behave. This shows a sense of dysfunction within the household and builds the mystery behind the fact that Joseph is so bitter and resentful towards not only outsiders such as Lockwood but to those of whom he lives with such as Mrs.Heathcliff. When compared the two characters (Lockwood and Joseph) are symbolic due ...

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