Malaika Fayyaz

BSEN 017
English
Semester 05

Exploring the Symbolism in Wuthering Heights

Introduction: Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights is an enduring literary masterpiece, renowned
for its intricate narrative and complex characters. Its profound use of symbolism enriches the
themes of love, revenge, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Symbolism of the Weather
The weather in Wuthering Heights is more than a backdrop; it is a dynamic symbol reflecting
the characters' emotional turmoil. Storms symbolize intense emotions, but it's essential to note
that the calm after the storm represents moments of introspection and, at times, resolution. This
cyclical pattern of weather mirrors the characters' cyclically tumultuous relationships, providing
a nuanced portrayal of their emotional landscapes.
The winds howl through the desolate moors, carrying with them the echoes of turbulent
emotions. The storms that frequently lash Wuthering Heights become a metaphor for the inner
turmoil experienced by characters such as Heathcliff and Catherine. Their passionate and
tumultuous relationship is mirrored in the tempestuous weather, where thunder and lightning
serve as a manifestation of the intense emotional clashes within the novel.
Moreover, the calm that follows the storms is equally significant. These moments of tranquility
represent more than just a break in the weather; they signify a brief respite for characters to
reflect on their actions and emotions. Brontë ingeniously uses the weather not only to intensify
the emotional atmosphere but also to create a cyclical pattern that mirrors the characters'
cyclically tumultuous relationships.
Symbolism of the Houses
The houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, serve as metaphors for the stark class
divisions prevalent in the novel. Wuthering Heights, with its dark and unruly nature, represents
the wildness of its inhabitants. However, exploring the nuanced symbolism of the houses also
involves understanding how characters move between them. Heathcliff's efforts to gain control of
both houses illustrate the pervasive theme of power dynamics and social mobility.
Wuthering Heights stands as a brooding edifice, a testament to the unrestrained passions that
govern its inhabitants. The dark stone walls bear witness to the tumultuous events within,
reflecting the untamed nature of those who dwell within their confines. In contrast, Thrushcross
Grange exudes an air of refinement and tranquility, symbolizing the civility and order associated
with the Lintons.

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The symbolism of the houses extends beyond their physical attributes. The movement of
characters between these contrasting abodes highlights the societal expectations and power
struggles prevalent during the time. Heathcliff's quest for control over both houses becomes
emblematic of his desire to transcend social boundaries, emphasizing the theme of social
mobility that runs throughout the novel.
Symbolism of the Moors
The moors, a vast and desolate landscape, symbolize freedom and the untamed spirit. However,
the symbolism extends beyond a mere representation of nature. The blurred boundaries on the
moors also mirror the blurred lines between love and hate within the novel. Heathcliff's
connection to the moors, his affinity for their wildness, further underscores the symbiotic
relationship between the characters and their environment.
As the characters traverse the desolate moors, the landscape becomes a metaphor for the
emotional wilderness that defines their relationships. The expansive moors symbolize the
vastness of human emotion, unrestricted and uncontrolled. Heathcliff's affinity for the moors
aligns with his untamed and vengeful nature, highlighting the interconnectedness between the
characters and the landscape they inhabit.
The blurred boundaries on the moors also reflect the ambiguity in the characters' emotions. Love
and hate intertwine, and the characters find themselves navigating a terrain where the distinctions
between these emotions become increasingly obscure. Brontë skillfully uses the moors as a
canvas to paint the complex emotional struggles of her characters, emphasizing the inextricable
link between the natural world and the human psyche.
Symbolism of the Window
The window, a recurring symbol, represents more than a barrier between two worlds. It
symbolizes the characters' longing for something beyond their reach. The window, especially in
Catherine's old room, becomes a poignant symbol of unfulfilled desires and the yearning for a
connection that transcends physical boundaries. By examining the instances where characters
interact with or observe through windows, we gain a deeper understanding of the emotional
distance and barriers between them.
Catherine's window becomes a metaphorical portal through which characters gaze upon the vast
moors and the world beyond. The window, though physically present, becomes a symbolic
barrier that separates individuals from their desires. Catherine's yearning for the freedom and
passion symbolized by the moors is encapsulated in her attempts to break through this barrier,
emphasizing the theme of unattainable desires that permeates the novel.
Additionally, the window symbolizes the limitations imposed by societal norms and
expectations. Characters are confined within the constraints of their social standing, and the
window becomes a visual representation of the barriers that restrict their choices and aspirations.
The exploration of the window's symbolism deepens our understanding of the characters' internal
struggles and the external forces that shape their destinies.
Symbolism of the Ghosts
Ghosts and supernatural elements in Wuthering Heights are crucial symbols representing the
characters' inability to move on from the past. Catherine's ghost, beyond being a haunting
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presence, signifies the enduring power of love and the consequences of denying one's true
feelings. The supernatural occurrences are not merely gothic elements but tools through which
Brontë explores the lasting impact of decisions and actions on the characters' lives.
The haunting specter of Catherine's ghost looms over Wuthering Heights, a constant reminder of
the unresolved passions and unfulfilled desires that define the characters' lives. The supernatural
elements, far from being mere embellishments, serve as a conduit through which the characters
confront the consequences of their actions.
Catherine's ghost, in its ethereal existence, becomes a manifestation of the characters' inability to
move on from the past. The unresolved nature of her death and the lingering presence of her
ghost reflect the perpetual torment experienced by Heathcliff and others. The supernatural
elements in Wuthering Heights transcend typical gothic tropes; they become symbolic vehicles
through which Brontë explores the emotional and psychological aftermath of profound and
unrestrained passions.
Symbolism of the Dogs
The symbolism of dogs in Wuthering Heights extends beyond representing loyalty and
protection. Heathcliff's dogs become metaphors for his vengeful nature, illustrating how he
employs these animals as extensions of his own aggression. By examining specific instances
where dogs are present, we uncover the ways in which they mirror the characters' emotions and
actions, emphasizing the primal instincts governing their behavior.
The dogs within Wuthering Heights symbolize more than mere companionship; they become
extensions of the characters' emotions and serve as foils for their primal instincts. Heathcliff's
dogs embody his vengeful and aggressive nature. These animals, loyal to their master, reflect the
fierce loyalty that characterizes the relationships within the novel.
The symbolism of dogs is not limited to Heathcliff alone. Throughout the narrative, dogs serve as
indicators of the characters' emotional states. The presence of dogs during moments of conflict
underscores the ferocity.

In conclusion, the symbolism within Wuthering Heights is a tapestry of rich and interconnected
elements that deepen our understanding of the characters and themes. The expanded exploration
of weather, houses, moors, windows, ghosts, dogs, moth, and the lock of hair reveals the nuanced
layers of meaning embedded in Emily Brontë's masterful work. Through these symbols, Brontë
not only captivates readers with a haunting narrative but also invites contemplation of the
intricacies of human nature, love, and the enduring struggle between opposing forces. Wuthering
Heights stands as a timeless classic, where symbolism becomes a gateway to the profound
exploration of the human psyche.
END