A classic! A classic!

However, it is also one of the most godawful boring books I've ever had the misfortune of forcing myself through.

I found myself in desperate need of clockwork-orange-style eyelid openers for the majority of the book.

This novel serves as a prime example of precisely why high school students develop a hatred for reading 'classics.'

The language is archaic and convoluted, making it a struggle to understand.

The plot moves at a glacial pace, lacking any real excitement or intrigue.

It seems as though the author is more concerned with showing off their literary prowess than telling an engaging story.

As a result, what should be a wonderful exploration of the human condition turns into a tedious chore.

It's a real shame that such a highly regarded work could be so unappealing.

Perhaps it's time to reevaluate what we consider to be a 'classic' and start introducing students to more relevant and enjoyable literature.

This is a review I never thought I'd have to write. I was so convinced that I would love this book. But I have to face the facts: Emily is no Charlotte.

Let's start with the positives. The character of Heathcliff is extremely well-developed. He is a man tormented by the world. As a gypsy boy with dark skin and hair, his rough appearance makes him seem like a ruffian to the English. He stands up for himself and bites back, which earns him the label of a monster. In a sense, like Frankenstein's monster, his outer image begins to affect his soul. Call a man a monster, and eventually he may start to act like one.

He is a complex man, capable of great cruelty and kindness. The world has made him bitter and, in a way, ruined him. He seeks revenge, but revenge always leads to more problems. So he becomes even more tormented by his own actions. He is very Byronic, and by today's standards, a bit of a bad boy. He has all the traits of an anti-hero, someone who can be both sympathized with and hated. He's a very complex character.

The Bronte sisters were influenced by Byron's poetry. Rochester in Charlotte's work is a similar, though less vengeful, character. Love is the main source of torment in both stories. Heathcliff has been rejected, and Rochester cannot open his heart because of his secret wife. But instead of dealing with his personal loss, Heathcliff tries to harm others. He is sensitive when it comes to his own emotions but lacks empathy for others. He doesn't care that he is causing more pain. His only redeeming quality is his love for Catherine, but that doesn't excuse his tyranny.

However, the novel's structure is abysmal. I have several problems with the narrative. Why is a servant telling the story to a visitor of her master's house? Why are we hearing someone's interpretation of the events instead of the events themselves? Why is it twenty years later in the form of a long conversation? And why is the servant still working for Heathcliff? It just doesn't make sense. At times, the credibility of the story was stretched to the breaking point.

Halfway through the story, we are told that the conversation has ended, and then we hear the visitor's description of the servant's narrative. Seriously? There are three layers of storytelling, which is completely unnecessary and overcomplicated. Why not just have Heathcliff tell the story or have the servant tell it from start to finish without any time shifts? It felt like Emily wrote herself into a corner and tried to write her way out in a ridiculous way.

Then there was the dialogue overload. Large parts of the novel were entirely conversational, with minimal narration. The only character whose thoughts we knew was the servant, who was completely irrelevant to the plot. The dialogue was so packed with emotions and private thoughts that it felt unnatural. The characters said things that people wouldn't realistically say in conversation. It was awkward.

There is clearly a great story here. The plot is wonderful, but the way Emily told it was disastrous. It felt like a wasted opportunity. I'm horrified at how poor it is. This novel needed to be rewritten. Maybe then it would have been worthy of the story it failed to tell. I've never been so underwhelmed by a canonized piece of literature with such critical acclaim.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "Wuthering Heights" has a great plot and a complex and interesting character in Heathcliff, the novel's structure and narrative are seriously flawed. The dialogue is overloaded and unnatural, and the choice of having a servant tell the story through multiple layers is confusing and unnecessary. It's a shame because the story has the potential to be a masterpiece, but as it is, it falls far short. I hope that future adaptations or reimaginings of the story can do it justice and bring out its true potential.

I first came across this in AP English Literature during my senior year of high school.

The book was dense, thick, and confusing. With a classroom full of those who disliked it, it was extremely difficult for me to fully understand. Subsequently, I read it three or four more times for college courses. And each time I delved into it, my love for it grew stronger. I always managed to discover some new and fascinating aspect of the story that I had never noticed before.

The last time I read it, I suddenly had an epiphany. There were numerous hints and clues suggesting that Heathcliff could, in fact, be black. A quick exploration of Liverpool, where Mr. Earnshaw found the urchin, reveals that it was a hub of the thriving slave trade. In my opinion, this theory completely transforms the story.

Or consider the idea someone proposed in our seminar on the Brontes. What if Nellie is in love with Heathcliff and consequently alters the way she tells the story? You do notice that Nellie is coincidentally involved in many crucial scenes throughout the text. What if she isn't the good-natured character most readers assume her to be?

Wuthering Heights is one of the most essential novels in history. There's not much more one can really say about it, except that it is truly one of the greatest works of literature ever created. It's simply that remarkable.

Finished for the 5th time - 11/25/2014

What can I truly write to repay

my love for this seemingly mythical phenomenon?

No matter what I write, it cannot describe

how much it intrigued me when I first read it several years ago, and how much it affects me now, on the second reading.

Now, yes. I understand it better.

I lived it.

The multi-layered writing and the poetry of the language slowly and steadily passed through me and plunged me into a masterpiece of nature, deeper, much deeper than reality.

By no means is it a simple romantic love story.

Emily Bronte, with her brilliant talent, the poetic prose she creates, and her personal experience, composes an "updated" ancient Greek tragedy.

It is a violent, cross-temporal piece of wild beauty. It is a therapy of love that moves in the darkness of the soul and consumes passions and mistakes.

There is much harshness in this work, but surely the main inspiration and essence are based mainly on a depressive gradation.

The poet Emily Bronte writes with vision, emotion, and testimony. She was a witness to her own feelings. Her stance and writing were not intended for real life,

of course not for 19th-century England either.

She knew that people don't die for love, so she wrote about the barbaric and wild kind of physical love.

Two souls triumphed that were separated by propagandistic circumstances and were elementalized until they united into one.

The updated wild scene, the gray, dark, gothic atmosphere, the height that pervades every human relationship is almost psychological, in a way that surpasses death.

A work full of love, passion, revenge, violence.

It doesn't stop there, it covers ideas and situations of the era, regarding nature, religion, superstition, social values.

The realistic form of the text is isolated, socially unbalanced, virginal, problematic, and highly dualistic. The epitome of the opposition in all the greatness of nature.

In some places, it touches on absolute female fantasy, and on the other hand, it subverts all the conventions of romanticism in a transgressive way.

Tempestuous and shocking, with scents and images, with grief and isolation, with mostly antipathetic characters (personally, I exclude Heathcliff).

A landscape of hair-raising magic, scenes beyond every fantasy, the development of the writing allows

our imagination to thrive. To live it all.

Yes, it is a terrifying story, extreme and dual, but as it unfolds, it creates an harmony of characters and gothic approaches, culminating in a macabre redemptive demolition that sanctions the reading experience of this greatness.

All the heroes and each one separately could form groups of everyday modern people.

The wind-swept heights introduce themes of multiple dimensions.

We clearly see the effects of alcoholism, the shameless behavior of anarchy, generally themes of power, wealth, social classes, feminist ideas, caricatures of religion, family and inheritance wealth

-material and spiritual-

legal institutions, rights of marital tyranny, and many others, which are mentioned long before the specific era.

Accessible to the Victorian public, promising prospects for a more modern reading culture.

Emily Bronte's unique pen writes clearly with one perspective, refuses to give the reader the ending that perhaps he would desire.

On the contrary, realistically, each one can connect with his own conclusion.

It travels within two sets of narration, in a fluctuating chronological order, which successfully transfers over two generations of characters.

Each character with a different personality, subjective ideas, objective behaviors.

These factors are regulated by the author in a wonderful way. Differently, unusually,

but all are realized in some way and for a specific reason that is never clear and final. An aimless search for cause and effect. Every successful conclusion derived from inferences in a general context of data.

A wide range of controversial ideas, impeccably structured characters, with a terrifying perfection and strong bonds that multiply as they are divided, make this work a political masterpiece of English literature.

In conclusion, let me be allowed an exaggerated statement that comes from my great love for this book.

If it fails to touch the depths of the soul or make a particularly distinct impression, the reader must either be dead or reading the wrong story.

The book has nothing to do with any transfer to the small or large screen.

If you have loved or have never loved,

read it.

You will be shaken, you will love it!!!

Good reading.

Many greetings.

I read this book for my AP Literature class. I truly adored the teacher, was deeply passionate about the subject matter, and loved almost everything else we had read up until that point. So, naturally, I had extremely high hopes for this particular book. I must confess that I made a genuine and wholehearted effort to like it. I really did. I managed to get halfway through, but there was no glimmer of hope in sight. Nevertheless, I persevered, firmly believing that the second half might show some promise for the next generation. Alas, no such luck.

Although nothing can top the finale "love scene" between Heathcliff and Katherine, with Heathcliff foaming at the mouth and engaged in a verbal battle of "no, YOU killed me" "no, you killed yourself" (a stupidity hitherto unknown since the "no YOU'RE prettier" battles). Eventually, the final pages came into view, and I was desperate. There simply had to be some redemption for this junk! Some profound message, some captivating ending sequence, SOMETHING that would make all of this worthwhile.

The characters are so hopelessly self-absorbed and possess an unprecedented lack of intelligence, yet they are still portrayed as intelligent by the literary world. It seemed to me that the only fitting ending would be for the characters to realize their own stupidity and engage in a mass suicide. But, once again, no such luck. Every last word was as idiotic and empty as the first. But you know what really grinds my gears even more than the fact that I wasted a whole week on this worthless pseudo-classic? It kills me that people not only mistake this hoax for real literature but also reference it for its supposed ROMANTIC value! Foaming at the mouth, marrying someone you don't love, wow.... now that's a level of romance that lovers surely fantasize about achieving.

Having been unable to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum recently, due to Covid-19, I found myself in a bit of a literary longing. I thought a re-read of Wuthering Heights would be the next best thing, and indeed it was. The story, with its passionate characters and wild landscapes, once again drew me in. But oh how I long for a trip to Haworth! Just to soak up that unique atmosphere. To walk the same paths that the Bronte sisters did, to see the parsonage where they lived and wrote. To imagine the inspiration that filled the air. I can picture myself standing in front of the museum, taking in the history and the beauty. Maybe one day, when this pandemic is over, I will be able to make that trip and fulfill my dream.

Reading "Wuthering Heights" is like embarking on a tumultuous journey.

At first, it seems like a sweet treat, but as you delve deeper, it reveals its dark and bitter essence.

Emily Bronte's writing is a masterpiece, creating a palpable tension that keeps the reader hooked.

The story challenges our notions of love.

It's not the typical romantic fare of candlelit dinners and roses.

Catherine and Heathcliff's love is incestuous, violent, and filled with psychological damage.

Heathcliff's revenge adds another layer of complexity to the tale.

Despite its difficulties, this book is highly recommended.

Bronte has crafted a passionate love story that is both psychotic and all-consuming.

It shows that love can drive people to extremes and have a profound impact on their lives.

So, take the plunge and visit Wuthering Heights, where love is a force to be reckoned with.

These lines from Emily Bronte's work are simply captivating. They draw you into a world of intense emotions and passionate love. The first line, "He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same," speaks of a connection so deep and profound that it blurs the boundaries between two individuals. It makes you wonder what it would be like to have such a bond with someone.

The second line, "If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger," shows the extent of the narrator's love. It is a love that is so strong that it can withstand the end of the world. It makes you feel the power of love and how it can shape our lives.

These lines, and many others like them, make me want to read this book over and over again. They are like a drug that keeps pulling you back in. Emily Bronte's writing is truly a work of art, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story or wants to experience the power of great literature.

Surprising! This is my first encounter with Wuthering Heights, having neither read the book nor seen any film adaptations before. My initial reaction is that it is far less romantic than what popular culture has led me to believe. I'm also left wondering why it isn't more renowned as a "ghost story" rather than just a romance. In fact, I would even contend that it should be placed in the Gothic horror section, right beside The Haunting of Hill House, The Turn of the Screw, and The Mysteries of Udolpho.

Heathcliff, as expected, is brooding and exudes a great deal of sexual tension. However, he is also diabolical. His scheming and conniving go well beyond the intolerable (yet endearing) idiosyncrasies of Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester. He is a jerk on a level that borders on pseudo-murderous and financially predatory. While his motivations are rooted in romance, the same can be said for psycho stalker serial killers - and he is much closer to that than the dreamy figure many envision him to be.

Perhaps the movie versions are to blame for romanticizing Heathcliff. I understand that the iconic 1939 film completely omits a generation of characters. These descendants, whom an aged Heathcliff torments with merciless brutality, are elements of the book that solidify his evil nature. Without them, I imagine the story could be transformed into a more traditional romance.

That being said, I don't necessarily want the novel to be traditional. In my opinion, it is the unexpected qualities that make it a classic. The characters are complex, deeply flawed, and in many ways, responsible for their own tragedies. As a lover of all things horror and gothic, the frightening aspects are a welcome addition - and there are several truly scary moments.

There is an idea in the novel that Heathcliff and Catherine are in love on a higher "spiritual plane" and are thus able to enter the ghostly realm. Bronte constantly compares Heathcliff to the devil, and both he and Catherine use religious language to express their passions. They are almost willing to sell their souls - or at least keep them in an earthly limbo - to be together. It's a sooty romance that is all about heat and passion, paying little heed to what is considered Christian. I suppose there is something alluring about that, even when Heathcliff so often becomes creepy and off-putting.

Perhaps there is also an appeal in a lover who loves you with such ferocity that he is willing to torment your entire family line if he can't be with you. It's undeniably bad behavior, but in a fictional fantasy, such intense longing can be distorted into something attractive. Certainly, other novelists have capitalized on this theme. In many ways, Heathcliff serves as the template for modern gothic romance, where heroines frequently turn away from traditional hunks to fall in love with the grim master of the castle.

Stylistically, Bronte's story-within-a-story structure not only adds complexity to the narrative (can we trust all the details?) but also distances the reader from the action. I can't say for sure whether I liked this method or not - my instinct tells me I didn't - but obviously, there is something about it that works, considering we still obsess over this book 175 years later. In the end, it all comes down to my own expectations. Once I was able to look beyond my preconceived notions, I could immerse myself in Bronte's original vision and appreciate all its dark, imperfect glory.

My First Re-read

This story is still one of a kind! It has a unique charm that never fades.

First Read (November 2019)

This book is truly remarkable. I have never come across a book filled with such unlikable characters, yet I find myself strangely attached to them. The Brontë sisters are truly amazing, and I can't wait to explore more of their works.

Few books can make the setting feel like a character of its own, but Wuthering Heights does just that. It is a world unto itself. I could vividly feel the descriptions in my bones. The cold and harsh rainstorms that lash the Moors, the vast hills, and the twisting trees! It was an incredible reading experience. Now, I am excited to delve deeper into Emily Brontë's poetry since this is unfortunately her only novel. But what a novel it is! It is a masterpiece that will always be remembered.

What follows is a detailed retelling of the precise moment when I abandoned my attempt to read Wuthering Heights.

"I CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE!" yelled the exhausted reader.

His astonished colleagues glanced up from their dull work due to the unexpected outburst from an otherwise quiet and introverted individual.

"Classic my a##," he shouted while forcefully shoving the book into the bottom drawer of his desk.

The room fell silent; the tension hung thick in the air; the anticipation was almost tangible. His fellow workers speculated whether this was the moment when he finally lost his composure.

"Bad book, Jesse?" inquired some anonymous co-worker.

"Yeah, bad book," muttered the weary reader as he returned to his mind-numbing job.

Wuthering Heights is by no means an enjoyable read. It might be because of my current state of mind. Perhaps it's because I had just finished an outstanding book, and this one had no chance of measuring up. Or maybe the book simply wasn't any good. I'll place it in the "try again later" file, but I have very little hope for it.

Heathcliff might just be the most despicable character in the annals of classical literature. Indeed, his arrival at Wuthering Heights was far from ideal. As an adopted "dark-skinned" outsider, he entered a household filled with spoiled brats and inattentive adults. There were no positive role models of kindness and compassion for him to look up to. But come on, Brontë, give us a break. Even the so-called "love" that Heathcliff supposedly has for Catherine is manifested in a seething cauldron of bile and vitriol that is so constant and unyielding that almost everyone in his orbit is driven to an untimely death. And he doesn't stop there. Oh no. He doubles down on his insidious efforts by targeting and manipulating their descendants.

Dogs are kicked, beaten, and hung with handkerchiefs from bridle hooks. Children are slapped, scorned, and terrorized. And that's not even the worst of it. Yet, I couldn't put the book down. I kept hoping that there would be some sort of redemption and retribution. Maybe Heathcliff would slip and fall into a live volcano, cutting himself on sharp shards of obsidian (coated with anthrax) on the way down. Right?