An analysis of the way in which Emily Bronte introduces the character Heathcliff to the reader in her novel, 'Wuthering Heights'.

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An analysis of the way in which Emily Bronte introduces the character Heathcliff to the reader in her novel, 'Wuthering Heights'.

Emily Bronte's novel 'Wuthering Heights' is full of atmosphere and mystery, most of which is caused by the protagonist Heathcliff. Powerful and brooding, Heathcliff forms the central pillar of intrigue in this famous story. He unites the fragmented narration by being present throughout, unlike all other characters and is such a potent and intense creation the reader is unable to fail to be moved by him. One either feels repulsion towards him or is seduced by his rather crude and brutish manner.

To emphasise Heathcliff's importance in the novel Bronte introduces him three times, an unusual technique that immediately catches the reader's attention. Even more unusually the introductions of Heathcliff do not happen in chronological order, it is actually the opposite. We first see him as an embittered adult, then as a love struck teenager and finally as a child. This builds the cloud of mystery around the character by not revealing him all at once but rather giving us tantalising snippets of his past which make the reader want to read on to discover who he is. Somewhat frustratingly, we never find out everything about Heathcliff. We never find out where he is from or where he goes during the story.

But the writer's method of introduction is undoubtedly effective in engaging and sustaining the interest of the reader.

Bronte uses unimportant and trivial characters to relate the story instead of using her own voice. This colours the narrative with the opinions of the characters being used at the time and adds interest. It also allows the reader to see how the actions of those in the story are judged by those around them instead of getting the self-centred approach that first person narrative would have.

The first narrator in 'Wuthering Heights', Lockwood, is a newcomer to the area who has no impact on the story and no previous knowledge of the drama that has preceded his arrival in Thrushcross Grange, a large house near Wuthering Heights which he rents from Heathcliff. This makes him an impartial narrator. Lockwood is presented as a civilised city man who fancies the solitary life the countryside offers. However, we soon realise that he has exceptionally bad character judgement when he tells the reader that Heathcliff is a 'capital fellow', when his description of Heathcliff's body language in reaction to Lockwood gives the reader a very different picture of his temperament. We are told that when Lockwood introduces himself to Heathcliff his 'black eyes withdraw so suspiciously under their brows' and 'his fingers sheltered themselves, with a jealous resolution, still further in his waistcoat'. This behaviour is defensive and unpleasant. Heathcliff also speaks with 'closed teeth' and when Lockwood attempts to enter Wuthering Heights on his horse, it is only when his horse's breast was 'fairly pushing the barrier' that Heathcliff lets him through, and then he merely walks off leaving Lockwood to make his own way.

Despite all these clear signs that Heathcliff is a disagreeable man, Lockwood still presents him as simply a misanthropist, someone who, like Lockwood, is fed up with the 'stir of society'. Therefore, the reader must come to their own conclusions about Heathcliff's personality, without much regard for Lockwood's judgement. Lockwood also gives the next introduction we read but instead of Heathcliff, we are introduced to Wuthering Heights the house. It is presented in a rather negative light. The first thing that is commented on is the name of the house, and specifically the word 'wuthering' which we are told is 'descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather'. This and the continuing descriptions of trees bent in the wind reflect not only the suffering that Heathcliff has been exposed to, and how he, like the trees had been twisted but also the misery he now inflicts on those around him, creating a similar effect. Lockwood also notes the 'narrow windows' and the 'corners defended with large jutting stones'. This gives the house castle like features and echoes Heathcliffe's defensive nature. The 'grotesque carving' and name and date above the door, not Heathcliff's name but rather 'Hareton Earnshaw' give an air of unknown mystery to the house.

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The unease is added to by the description of the interior of Wuthering Heights. Lockwood talks of a 'clatter of culinary utensils, deep within', meaning that the kitchen, and therefore the life of and nurture of the house, like Heathcliff's warmth and kindness, is confined to the back rooms, while the living room is filled with imposing dark furniture, like Heathcliff's unpleasant front. He describes the chairs as 'primitive structures' and says that they are 'lurking in the shade'. This personification of the chairs to make them threatening seems to reflect Heathcliff's brooding and coarse nature. The guns above ...

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