Coursework

A study of the elements of Violence and Brutality and their representation in the gothic novel, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte By Lawrence Tyrrell " ... Treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies." Violence and Brutality represent integral themes within the Novel, Wuthering Heights written by Emily Bronte in 1847. Dark in nature, these characteristics prove the downfall to many characters, warping their morals and sense of reality. By taking Heathcliff as an example of this; Bronte shows us that a fundamental part of Heathcliff's differed and estranged personality revolves around his aggressive nature, which causes him to come to physical blows with many of the other leading males who reside at Wuthering Heights, and of course Thrushcross Grange. Additional corresponding themes of honor, jealousy and ambition further this dark basis throughout the novel. By delving into the psyche of the characters and the dismal setting of Wuthering Heights, the reasoning behind the violence can be discovered. The characters in Wuthering Heights all resemble a dual persona, showing a side that in general they prefer to be known as - respected and noble. Yet, their personal relationships with other members within the novel demonstrate in each of them, a volatile nature. Heathcliff and Cathy's own love is bound by this need of resentment and violence that they both seem to thrive on, feed off, Heathcliff physically and mentally abuses many characters within the book such as Edgar Linton who although gentle at heart is provoked into a dangerous fit by Heathcliff's callous speech, "Cathy, this lamb of yours threatens like a bull". During the Victorian era, this would appear as the greatest of insults by Heathcliff belittling Edgar, and staining him with words of contempt. Along with a plethora of acts against Edgar, Heathcliff upon their first proper meeting with his rival for Cathy's affection he 'seized a tureen of hot apple sauce" and proceeded to spew it over his supposed 'foes' face. Throughout the novel, the theme of violence is categorised through a few simple catalysts. These are - love, oppression, pride, revenge and a state of political and social difference. Bronte uses metaphors of animals and nature to further accent the violent theme that pervades throughout the novel of Wuthering Heights. The setting of novel, within the yorkshire moors is very bleak and brutal, full of storms and danger. Amongst Bronte`s others literary uses is a profound use of pathetic fallacy, of which is reflected in the actual title of the novel as Wuthering Heights, is, in itself, pathetic fallacy, as it means atmospheric tumult and reflects the disruptive and often manic behavior of the residents. Furthermore, she uses this technique to convey the often violent emotion of Heathcliff and the ensemble. Such as when Mr. Earnshaw dies, a vicious storm blows up - representing the emotional turmoil of death The key themes from my title are first demonstrated through Hindly's oppression of Heathcliff on the proviso that Heathcliff is of social difference. During the social historical era of the 19th century, it was rather common for those of wealthy descent to adopt or foster abandoned and orphaned children. Which was seen as a selfless act of great intentions and was a well respected practice. Such is the case with Heathcliff. Who is given a brutal start to life. Without a name, living off little on the streets of Liverpool he is taken in by Mr. Earnshaw who feels pity for the lad. Presented to his own children, 'Hindley and Catherine (Cathy) Earnshaw'. At first glance, Hindley is filled with contempt. The young boy had wished for a gift off his father on his travels and instead was presented with a boy who he 'hated'- A feeling initially shared by Nelly. Hindley had a profound passion in his hatred of Heathcliff, which was in all manner of the word unconditional. The oppressor (Hindley) continued to deal Heathcliff 'blows' which 'he took without shedding a tear'. This persisted from Heathcliff's young age of seven till his departure from Wuthering Heights after Cathy's rebuttal. From the maid, and narrator of much of the story, Nelly we learn as to why Hindley persisted domination of Heathcliff. Fear. Hindley saw Heathcliff as 'A usurper of his parent's affections and his privileges' a common resentment behind those arrogant souls who have a great lust for power and as such grasp onto it with both hands and struggle to hold on from any potential threat (Heathcliff). It is ironic that the oppressed later in the novel turns the tables on his supposed tyrant, which all begins with Heathcliff asserting himself as the dominant one amongst the pair. Demonstrating his profound ability to twist the truth, and blackmail others; positioning him in a seat of immense power, In Chapter four, Mr. Earnshaw bestowed upon the children a horse each. Heathcliff beats Hindley to the most handsome horse, but it is struck with lameness and In turn Heathcliff demanded from Hindley "You must exchange horses with me". Hindley was against the idea immediately, but with a defiant and sturdy approach Heathcliff blackmailed the colt out of Hindley "If you won't I shall tell Father of the thrashings you have given me." And again with "You will have to, if I speak of these blows, you'll get them again with interest." Strangely though, even with this power Heathcliff was much more at ease with the knowledge that he had some power, and was happy to refrain from retribution on Hindley in the usual manner. With Heathcliff in control, oppression converted to revenge. Heathcliff represents a distinct Anti-Hero through his violent acts. The supposed romantic hero is very succinct and calculating in his demeanor and procedures. He instigates the downfall of Hindley, in revenge for how he was oppressed as a child. Seeing through every detail until Hindley's death from alcohol abuse which Heathcliff takes great pleasure over, and is obviously to blame for as it was he who inticed Hindley into his gambling and drinking addiction. Upon his death, Heathcliff is at one with the proceedings. Showing no emotion for his 'brothers' death, only delighting at the fact he had gained possession of Wuthering Heights, by buying it from under the feet of Hareton ; achieving his desires, and asserting himself as the most powerful man in the region. Next in line to Thrushcross Grange due to his elopement with Isabella, which he also had an aggressive and brutal pairing with, to seek glory from. Heathcliff's relationship with Hindley was rather straight forward. Both hated each other, and displayed this through violent and cruel manipulation of one another. Yet, their sister Cathy is a different matter. As the centre of affection by both Edgar, and Heathcliff; both which prove to be exceptionally tempestuous and brutal - This is shown in Cathy's soul mate, Heathcliff who together they have a warped love. In some ways, they feel united in all manners and the only love they have is for each other, but at the same time they both have a lust for the affliction of pain, both physical and physiologically. At his introduction, Cathy is seen to be "spitting at the little stupid thing." Furthermore, later in the narrative she is seen to "seize" his hair and pull a "portion of the locks". This, in any sense was disapproving from a general concept during the 19th century as it was expected that males were the dominant roles, and females looked after the house and loved in appearance and behaviors. Of which, Cathy is the exact opposite as she is fiery, and conflicting. Amongst her other misbehaviors, Cathy has always remained the dominant role amongst the lovers. With Edgar, she has a strong and willful personality, contrast to his weak and fragile grace. She openly mocks him, and antagonizing him on many occasions, such as his confrontation with Heathcliff. She declares "If you have not the courage to attack him, then apologize" knowing that she has put him at a crux, demeaning the weaker man between admitting Heathcliff as his better, and losing his own honour and coming to blows with a man far more brutal and superior to the slight Mr. Linton. When Edgar finally plucks up the courage to hit Heathcliff, Cathy stands by her friend rather than her husband, seeking for him to run away then face Edgar again. Finally, Cathy displays innate pleasure at the proceedings by 'becoming very excited at the spectacle" which displays an innate lust of affection and a feeling of want that is embodied via violence. Wuthering Heights is a dark gothic novel, where violence permeates its pages. In fact, there is no less than twenty encounters within the book that proceed a violent nature. The significant factor in almost all of these is Heathcliff, and the volatile effect his presence has on others, whether it is love, anger or distrust. The key themes of violence and brutality are present throughout much of the characters life, shadowing them along their journey, until their foreboding deaths. As readers, we cannot help but accept that Emily Bronte has when writing this twisted the stereotypical nature of a heroic savior (possibly Heathcliff) and transported what should have been a slayer of dark into a violent and brutal being.