Question

Attempt a feminist reading of Wuthering heights.

Answer 1

In this lesson, we explore the role that feminism plays in 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. Although women's rights were limited during this time period, each of the women in the story finds a way to show strength and independence.Women's Rights

When Wuthering Heights was published in 1847, feminism , or gender equality, was just beginning to emerge and seemed like a radical idea to many people. The notion that a woman must rely on a man for survival is prevalent in the culture where this story takes place. Despite the limitations they face, each of the women in the novel is portrayed with a degree of strength that supports Emily Bronte's feminist views. Let's look at feminism in Wuthering Heights.

Answer 2

The story of "Wuthering Heights' is set in Victorian Era when women were supposed to have their place in home and were not free to take decisions of their life. Catherine Earnshaw and Isabella Linton are characterized as women who go against the expected moral and ideals a woman had to follow during that time. Catherine as a wild child disobeys her father and when she is influenced by Heathcliff, they both promise to grow as savages. As soon as the influence casts off, her demeanor changes drastically. She behaves more ladylike and in her pursuit to have social stand, she marries Edgar Linton. However, with the return of Heathcliff, she becomes a rebellion again and her greatest rebellion towards Edgar Lincon is her love for Heathcliff due to wich she sneaks in at night to meet Heathcliff. Edgar's sister Isabella ends up in a loveless, abusive marriage as,older Heathcliff avenges Edgar for marrying Catherine and woos Isabella into marriage. Isabella takes a bold stip by moving to London to live on her own. At that time such act could be subjected to punishment, but Bronte portrays her characters to bring out the issues related to women, their freedom and their status.

Through these characters Bronte expresses her personal opinion about femininity that women often conform to men's will, but at times they break free to have their way and exercise their own will living to their own standard.