Essay-style Questions: Wuthering Heights
1. Consider whether 'Wuthering Heights' deteriorates as a novel after the death of Catherine.
This isn't a perfect answer, nor a particularly full one - take it as an approach
to adopt which offers some ideas.
Introduction:
Responds directly to the question. Shows knowledge of the ways the second section of the novel might be |
The shifting emphasis from the older Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship to the final union of the younger Cathy and Hareton has been criticised. Some might call it an anticlimax, whilst others might maintain it symbolises |
The first section - character, theme, style: Introduce the main features of the first half of the novel Explore the nature of the relationship which dominates the first section Provide a link with second half |
It is the stormy northern climate, the violence and intensity of Catherine and Heathcliff's passion and the bitter words spoken at the 'deathbed scene' that profoundly affect the reader. Their relationship has joined those of the legendary literary lovers.... Heathcliff, the archetypal Byronic hero dominates the novel.... |
The second section in comparison: Introduce the second thread of your argument, harking back to the question, Explain what this is, developing your argument |
All other characters pale into insignificance beside the tragic hero and heroine... The relationship reaches its climax with Catherine's death, yet |
Assess the relative strengths of each: Introduce the final strand which makes the links between both sections Show how both sections connect and are mutually dependent.... ...on two fronts |
How can the novel fail to deteriorate when its focus shifts from the wild surroundings of Wuthering Heights and the moors and the emotional intensity of the older lovers to the fussy Thrushcross Grange, the precocious child Cathy, the detestable Linton and the boorish Hareton? Death can be the only solution for Catherine and Heathcliff. They look The situation is resolved perfectly on two fronts. Cathy regrets her |
Conclusion:
Look again at the introduction and close the argument you opened. Throw in a little extra to spark things up a little |
The second part of the novel lacks the passion of the first, but this kind of intensity ought not to be sustained throughout to be effective. We need a contrast for it and this is provided by the younger generation. Heathcliff's revenge plan, which gives the second part of the novel It is the perfect conclusion to the tale. |