Bronte's Idea of Suburbia

A detailed Summary of Bronte's Idea of Suburbia

In the classic Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte, the characters reflect passion and hate in the two primary settings of the plot. The tumultuous Earnshaws and their extended family inhabit the stormy household of Wuthering Heights. As opposed to the latter, the Lintons and their family occupy the rational Thrushcross Grange. Through obvious symbolism in the settings of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, Bronte effectively contrasts the characters' personalities and lives.

The geographical setting of Wuthering Heights sets the stage for conflict. Wuthering, the title of the estate, describes "the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather"(2). Mr. Lockwood, one of two narrators, comments on the "pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times . . . the power of the north wind blowing over the edge" (2). After gathering his first impressions of the house, Mr. Lockwood observes "the architect [of Wuthering Heights] had foresight to build it strong; the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones" (2). The structure of the house i

The inhabitants of Thrushcross Grange, however, prove a loyal opposition to those of Wuthering Heights in manner and appearance. The entire household of Thrushcross Grange objects to the lifestyle of Wuthering Heights, in character and aspect. Young Heathcliff and Catherine peek at the elegant Thrushcross Grange, seeing "crimson-covered chairs and tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold, a shower of glass drops hanging in silver chains from the centre" and "Edgar and his sister had it entirely to themselves"(42). The Lintons that live here led a different, if not better life than Catherine and Heathcliff. Catherine is injured and has to recuperate at the Grange, not to her dismay. She receives "fine clothes and flattery, which she took readily," and was no longer a "wild, hatless little savage . . . [but] a dignified person" (46). This transformation was due to the influence of the aristocratic Lintons. Only gone five weeks, young Catherine had undergone a major change. She did not notice the difference between Heathcliff and Edgar, during a visit, "as one came in and the other went out. The contrast resembled what you see in exchanging a bleak, hilly,

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Approximate Word count = 789
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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