Wuthering Heights Research Paper

805 Words2 Pages

Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte, was published in 1847 to low critical and commercial success. Since its creation, it has slowly become one of the most popular and classic novels in the world. Despite its dark tones, it is one of the greatest Gothic love stories ever conceived, highlighting the complex depths of human nature. The most common themes exhibited in the book is power and desire. Although the two main characters experience the pair of emotions, other minor characters are also guilty. Desire and power have a connected relationship, with one being the catalyst for the other and vice versa. However, it also appears that both cannot be had at the same, for one must be sacrificed in gain for the other. Wuthering Heights expertly …show more content…

Afterall, it is his extravagant and comfortable lifestyle is the primary reason why Catherine Earnshaw agrees to marry him. Sadly, his power is not to satisfy his demanding wife, for she craves another. Although Edgar constantly tries to be the only one for Catherine, he is unsuccessful. Over the course of the novel, he struggles against Heathcliff, who eventually takes control over everything Edgar loves. It may seem that Edgar has both desire or power, but that is not the case. Power was something he always had, while desire was something he always craved. He could never have both, for only one could be his. With or without power, there was no way for him to have Catherine’s desire, which was his ultimate desire. Toward the end of the novel, he loses both of those feelings, for Catherine dies and Heathcliff takes his revenge. He is the opposite of Heathcliff, for he has power at the beginning, which invokes his rival’s need for …show more content…

Catherine Earnshaw is the love of Heathcliff’s life and ultimate desire. Their love is interrupted by the entrance of Edgar Linton, who entices Catherine with power. At this time, Heathcliff has desire but not power. Since Heathcliff has great desire to have Catherine forever, he embarks on a journey in order to gain power that the selfish Catherine wants. However, as time goes on, Heathcliff’s love for Catherine diminishes on his quest for ultimate power. He becomes much cruel and harsh, sacrificing love for power, as he views it is the only way to take back Catherine from Edgar. Ultimately, he loses his desire, having it replaced with power by dominating Catherine, Isabella, young Catherine, and the residents and estate of Wuthering Heights. By the end of his life, he is completely alone, but ends up sacrificing power in order to be with Catherine again in the afterlife. The unsuccessful balance of power and desire are the cause of his

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