“I have a single wish, and my whole being and faculties are yearning to attain it. They have yearned towards it
so long, and so unwaveringly, that I’m convinced it will be reached-- and soon-- because it has devoured my existence. I am swallowed in the anticipation of its fulfillment” (P.248).
And so concludes Emily Brontë’s Masterwork of the 19th century.
In her brilliant and fervently written piece discussing the abstract and powerful existence of human nature amidst the continually growing adversity of life circumstances; an understanding of passions true identity is gained by way of the stories prominent character, Heathcliff. As the provocative tale reaches a conclusion, Heathcliff endures a change in both outward expression of emotion and inward meditation of sanity. Through the use of conflict among opposing forces, in depth character alteration and pride ridden statements, Brontë’s theme of subsistence is verified.
Persistent from the start of the book is an unspoken air of discomfort and resentment between Heathcliff and his niece of sorts, Catherine. Their dueling tendencies lend insight into character development of headstrong and impetuous behavior, as well as a brief glimpse upon the ever present angst between the conflicting Earnshaw and Linton bloodlines. It would seem that Catherine perceives the venomous nature of Heathcliff seeps with a poisonous glisten upon each moment of her gaiety. At no time is this more prevalent than in the concluding chapters of the book, as Heathcliff’s transformation commences and the odium between the two reaches a climax. “Damnable witch! Dare you pretend to rouse him against me? Off with her! Do you hear? Fling her into the kitchen! I’ll kill her… Drag her away!” (P.244). Such passionate utterances also portray the vexation felt by Heathcliff as he yearns increasingly to be with Catherine, while still desiring revenge.
Throughout the plot we come to know Heathcliff as a man inclined to vengeance, surly actions, and a lack of compassionate understanding. This undertone of superiority develops into an increasingly menacing fashion when young Catherine enters the equation of retribution and distrust. However, with the looming approach of his death, Heathcliff’s aloof mindset makes it almost possible to see his personage transform into that of a gentleman; especially when seen with “the unnatural—it was unnatural—appearance of joy under his black brows; the same bloodless hue, and his teeth visible, now and then, in a kind of smile; his frame shivering, not as one shivers with chill or weakness, but as a tight-stretched cord vibrates—a strong thrilling, rather than trembling”(P. 250). The alteration of Heathcliff’s demeanor epitomizes Brontë’s premise of hardship and malevolence’s ability to transform the nature of a person. A yearning for his cause, a mourning for his loss, becomes inevitable, despite his inability to be a true gentile.
As the account makes a dramatically approached finale, the most passionately sustained idea is that of honor to self. Each party, despite differing concerns as to what would become a conclusion, unremittingly devoted themselves to pursuing a figure of contentedness. For none did this retain a more desirous focus than Heathcliff. “I’ve done no injustice, and I repent of nothing—I’m too happy, and yet I’m not happy enough. My soul’s bliss kills my body, but does not satisfy itself.”(P.254). His undefeated spirit of confident, blasphemous pride acted as a tribute to years of unrest over the matter of his love for another. Despite the waged war against what may have seemed, at times, life itself; Heathcliff forever remains an idol of ardor.
Emily Brontë’s purpose in writing Wuthering Heights was to expose the vehement meaning sustenance may have to those confronting a life of resistance. Her ability to appeal to multiple audience types made effective her goal of portraying a manifestation of hardship, and in effect, any persons ability to conquer said difficulty. By incorporating pieces of confrontation, adjustment of self recognition and passionate soliloquies, the idea of persistence becomes everlasting.