Name: Nguyễn Ngọc Bảo An

Class: 11A4
School: Nguyễn Khuyến High- School

Reading “Wuthering Heights” filled me with so many emotions that, upon

finishing the novel, I was left somewhat baffled about what exactly I had just
experienced.

Initially published in 1847, Emily Brontё’s “Wuthering Heights” is referenced in

countless books, movies and even anime. As a self-proclaimed classics lover and
avid reader, I found it a little embarrassing that I had not yet read it. What better
opportunity to rectify this regrettable situation than by reading it alongside
“Worlds of Ink and Shadow” by Lena Coakley, a novel about Emily Brontё and
her siblings?

“Wuthering Heights” tells of Heathcliff’s destructive love and passion for

Catherine Earnshaw. Heathcliff was adopted by Catherine’s father as a child, but
upon Mr. Earnshaw’s death, he is bullied by Catherine’s brother. Under the
incorrect assumption that his love for Catherine is not returned, Heathcliff abruptly
leaves the household only to return years later as a wealthy man, poised to exact
his revenge for his previous suffering.

“Wuthering Heights” is a chaotic novel, beautiful in its complexity but terrible in

its wickedness.

The novel is exceptional in that none of its characters are likable. From the narrator
to the servants to the main characters, each is presented in a manner that highlights
his or her faults. Somehow, the characters’ flaws draw the reader in. One cannot
help but search for redemption to be found within the characters and, upon being
disappointed, pity their existence.

By the end of the novel, I found myself wanting Heathcliff to die for all of the evils
he had committed against those around him, like tricking a naïve girl into marrying
him by pretending to care for her and then treating her cruelly after she has served
her purpose. At the same time, the torment Heathcliff appears to suffer from is not
pleasant to read about. Readers may wish the situation could be different, that
Heathcliff could be kind and loved in return.
At first glance, “Wuthering Heights” appears to have no relatability to today’s
UCLA student. It is set in late 18th century England and tells the story of a man
who seems possessed. However, the story explores themes of revenge, obsession,
passion and loneliness that are relevant to the experiences of college-aged students.
Reading “Wuthering Heights” might be worthwhile to students who want a release
for similar emotions of their own.

Reviewing “Wuthering Heights” with “Worlds of Ink and Shadow” in mind, the
layered narration and alternating time frames of “Wuthering Heights” appear to
have inspired the layered levels of reality found in “Worlds of Ink and Shadow.”

The chaotic nature of “Wuthering Heights” is reflected in Emily Brontë’s

personality in “Worlds of Ink and Shadow.” In Coakley’s novel, Emily Brontё is
portrayed as willful and passionate, just as “Wuthering Heights” could be
described as a willful and passionate novel.

It is impossible to wholeheartedly say “Wuthering Heights” was an enjoyable read.

The cruelty and lack of decorum displayed by many of the characters made the
novel unlikable in retrospect, despite the characters’ allure as the story pans out.

“Wuthering Heights” is a brutish masterpiece that left me both impressed and

appalled.

Emily Bronte -“wuthering heights”