Port City International University

Department of English

Clash between Good and Evil of human nature in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Submitted To: Submitted By:

MD.RASHED KHAN MILON MOHAMMAD JAFAR IQBAL
Senior Lecturer ID: ENG 006 05067
Department of English Department of English
Port City International University Port City International University
Chattogram, Bangladesh
Chattogram, Bangladesh
 
Table of Content

 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methodology
 Research Question
 Discussion
 Conclusion
Abstract

 Emily Bronte’s theme of Good and Evil in Wuthering Heights.

 Bronte challenges these viewpoints by showing the feeble

cowardliness of the dignified society, and the bold manliness,
which the wild human nature possesses.

 Bronte presents her arguments in her novel through contrasting

characters: Catherine and Edgar, Heathcliff and Isabella, and
Edgar and Heathcliff.
Introduction

 In 1847 Emily Bronte shocked the world of English literature

with the publication of her novel Wuthering Heights.
 All her experiences and characteristics are reflected in her
works and her only novel Wuthering Heights is certainly no
exception.
 Her family loss, religious doubts and secluded upbringing in
the West Yorkshire moorlands all contributed to the creation
of her novel. She masterfully constructs the themes of the
novel around the concepts of life and death, love and loss, and
man versus nature.
Methodology

 Primary and secondary sources and some in-depth interviews

are used in this topic of research.

 In addition to textbooks, articles, journal and web resources

are used to make them successful and authentic
Research Question

 How do Thrush cross Grange and Wuthering Heights

represent the aspect of good and evil?

 How characters are contrasted in human nature?

Discussion

 Wuthering Heights though that Emily Bronte explores the context of Good vs. Evil not as a struggle between
one another or oneself but rather as a battle between “storm” and “calm“, and the effect the story’s setting has
on individuals and their development.
 The largest contrast taking place in the novel between the two houses that are the homes to most characters in
the novel, Thrush cross Grange and Wuthering Heights.
 Bronte uses these characters to explore themes of Good versus Evil, crime and punishment, passion versus
rationality, revenge, selfishness, division and reconciliation, chaos and order, nature and culture, health and
sickness, rebellion, and the nature of love. These themes are not independent of each other; rather, they mix,
mingle, and intertwine as the story unfolds.
 Two Houses
Wuthering Heights
 Wuthering Heights more suggestive of
hell, dark and jealousy(Evil)
 Wuthering Heights, in itself shows us
how this storm is illustrated.
Wuthering Heights is a dwelling
characterized by fiery emotions,
primal passions, resentful
vengefulness, and sheer evil.
Thrush cross Grange
 Thrush Cross Grange as a
representative of heaven, light and
peace (Good)
 Thrush Cross Grange is a peaceful,
beautiful home which symbolizes all
that is good and lovely.
Character Contrast
Heathcliff
 Heathcliff is a passionate and vengeful man
who endures a difficult childhood and is later
possessed both by a desire for retribution
against Hindley and a deep love for Catherine.
Catherine
 Catherine Earn Shaw is a spirited but arrogant
girl. She is saddened when Heathcliff leaves
her, and she ultimately marries the wealthy
Edgar Linton.
 Character Contrast
Heathcliff
 Heathcliff and his contrast to
Edgar are almost the same as
good and evil within the story..
Edgar
 With Heathcliff being a
physically superior, taller
while Edgar being weak and
not worth a fight. Edgar
represents the “good”
Victorian citizen with
Heathcliff being the “evil”
wild character in the book
Conclusion

 Bronte materializes the two houses of Wuthering Heights and Thrush cross Grange as a human nature
of good and evil. The concept is cleverly formed in the novel and Bronte is very successful in drawing
parallels between the two opposite worlds.
 The social message of the novel is also very powerful, showing the degeneration of humanity and
morality, which can be seen as a direct result of social changes such as the Industrial Revolution.
People adapt their behavior for various reasons as they are exposed to a variety of circumstances and
situations, and Bronte is clearly showing the more negative side of nineteenth century British society,
and the social rules thrust upon men and women
Works Cited

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New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 4th Ed. 2003.
Bronte ,Charlotte, Preface to the New Edition of Wuthering Heights ,New York: W.W. Norton &
Company, 4th Edition.2003.
Bronte ,Emily, Wuthering Heights. New York,: W.W. Norton & Company. 4th Edition 2003.
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Bentley ,Phyllis, “The Bronte”. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd., 1969
Cuddon ,J.A. Dictionary of Literary Terms & Literary Theory. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 1999.
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