I still remember the words of my professor in university, ’’In ten years You will forget your professor’s name, maybe your friends names, the title of this book, but you can never forget Heathcliff your whole life.’’ He was telling us about the main character in this book.
Little introduction first, I did my graduation in English Literature and ’’The Wuthering Heights’’ was in my freshmen curriculum. My Professor ( name is still fresh in my memory after 7 years.. 3 years more to go) told us that this novel will change your outlook of life. And now I wonder how true it is though I laughed at him that time. No doubt he is a good teacher or shall I say GURU. He has taught me a lot. Not just the text, but about life too. But this review is not about him, its about this book.
well, the first time read it was totally from compulsion. But then I am like hooked to it. I must have read it 100’s time since and still Heathcliff’s passion sends chill down my spine everytime I think about it. Really a masterpiece.
I must say, hats off to the author. Emily Bronte needed something special , something legendry to outshine her sister charlotte , and this work of art was just the remedy.
When I first read this book, I was taught to read with analytical outlook and healthy criticism. I never realy did that. But I relate myself to Heathcliff and thought what would I do if I were in his place. And thats when I realise that brilliance of the author. The characters are so lifelike and real even after centuries have passed since it was written.
I remember Catherine ( female lead character) saying that her Love for Heathcliff is like an eternal rock. ROCK!!! who would compare love with rock? I am sure it comes as a shock for the present day (FILMI- ) Romantics, where love is like blossoming flowers or dancing in the rain, etc. But when you think about the depth of the words, ROCK is ETERNAL.. unchanged by weather or other forces of nature.
And then there is the everlasting passion of heathcliff.. for his love of Catherine and for his hatred for everything else in the world. Yes, he was cruel sometimes but his cruelty is well justified. I am not defending the charactor or his doings. But I am trying to put a case that what else a man can do in same situation. Yes, he could have just accept the fate and do nothing. But it would be like commiting suicide for a die-hard survivor which is just not acceptable either to the author or to the character or in my case even to the reader.
I remember getting the list of movies based on this novel or on similar storyline. Then a couple of years ago there was a TV-serial by Pooja Bhatt based on this novel. But if I remember correctly, it’s broadcasting was stopped. Maybe Indian society is still not mature enough to assimilate such violent passion.
Now, a little of the plot summary. Heathcliff is an orphan with a sympathatic childhood. His only passion is his love for Catherine. But she married someone else ( why? this is only part of the plot which is not revealed by the author and is left open to critics and readers). Heathcliff ran off earlier and returned as wealthy person. He took his revenge on everybody around him. Even his own son and Catherine’s daughter. He never let anybody rest while he is around. And finally, the poetic justice.. He died and the peace and love restored on Wuthering heights.
I have read shakepeare’s great love-stories and tragedies, King Arthur’s stories with love-story of Sir Lancelot , Legend of Troy ( love of price Paris for Helen ) , but the passion of Heathcliff is unchallengeable.
If you really love to read books and not just for the sake of it, I would suggest atleast one reading.