Bronte's Bible Of Hell Essay
Sandra M. Gilbert’s, “Bronte’s Bible of Hell”, offers a distinct analysis of the novel Wuthering Heights. What is interesting is how Gilbert analyzes Emily Bronte’s life, speculating possible reasons for the development of the novel. Gilbert’s starts out with a bold claim that Wuthering Heights is about “heaven and hell”. More specifically, Wuthering Heights holds the characteristics of hell, while the Thrushcross Grange represents culture and civility. A reasonable assumption given the restrictions that tenants of Wuthering Heights faced because of Heathcliff on a daily basis. Not to mention the gothic nature that Wuthering Heights held throughout the course of the novel, with its descriptions of various paintings on the wall. What striked
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Gilbert’s views were made especially clear when she stated, “Catherine’s fall, however, is caused by a patriarchal past and present.” Gilbert is trying to imply that Catherine had been controlled by the power men, with the “patriarchal culture” in Wuthering Heights. Even goes as far to say, “the pressure of her brother's domination.” Not once throughout the novel did I feel that Catherine was forced into something by a man, but rather made her own decisions. I assume Gilbert was referencing the victorian era, where women had to subject themselves into dating men of status. When in reality, Catherine married Edgar because of selfish reasons, not because she was supressed. Catherine was brainwashed by the Linton’s into thinking that just because she comes from a family of wealth, she needs to act a certain way. Heathcliff and Catherine have not “been driven” in the direction of Thrushcross Grange because of their own desire to escape, but rather the wildness of their character.
Although Gilbert offers a thought-provoking read, the majority of her essay misinterprets the overall focus of the novel. Wuthering Heights was to highlight the difference between wild and tame in the the victorian society at the time. Catherine shows no signs of oppression, but rather regret for the decision to marry Edgar. A decision that ultimately resulted in her undoing, along
Gilbert’s views were made especially clear when she stated, “Catherine’s fall, however, is caused by a patriarchal past and present.” Gilbert is trying to imply that Catherine had been controlled by the power men, with the “patriarchal culture” in Wuthering Heights. Even goes as far to say, “the pressure of her brother's domination.” Not once throughout the novel did I feel that Catherine was forced into something by a man, but rather made her own decisions. I assume Gilbert was referencing the victorian era, where women had to subject themselves into dating men of status. When in reality, Catherine married Edgar because of selfish reasons, not because she was supressed. Catherine was brainwashed by the Linton’s into thinking that just because she comes from a family of wealth, she needs to act a certain way. Heathcliff and Catherine have not “been driven” in the direction of Thrushcross Grange because of their own desire to escape, but rather the wildness of their character.
Although Gilbert offers a thought-provoking read, the majority of her essay misinterprets the overall focus of the novel. Wuthering Heights was to highlight the difference between wild and tame in the the victorian society at the time. Catherine shows no signs of oppression, but rather regret for the decision to marry Edgar. A decision that ultimately resulted in her undoing, along