Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights

by Harold Bloom

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, set among the rugged beauty of the English moors, is the tragic and passionate story of Catherine and Heathcliff, two lovers drawn together from the moment they meet. This volume offers an analysis for students seeking insight into this tale praised for its innovative structure, originality, and poetic style."

Genres: Literature, Literary Criticism

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[Sybil Vachaudez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I had been meaning to read this book for ages and finally decided to read it because one of my best friends said that she'd hated it, so I took it as a challenge to try and see if I could enjoy it!
I remember hating Walter White deeply when I first began watching Breaking Bad, but then I still watched the whole show and that's exactly what happened with me and this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that I loved reading Wuthering Heights, though I’m not really sure why. It tells the story of two families over two generations and the wretched vengeance of the scorned lover Heathcliff that destroys the fabric of their lives until his death.

I can see why a lot of people would find the story set on the moors of England boring. It has a small cast of characters, the setting never changes, and the story’s main events are only relational. No one ever goes anywhere.

But I loved reading about the sheltered, localized life of the Earnshaws and the Lintons on the moors. I loved the relationships between the servants and the masters, who weren’t of particularly high class. I loved the ridiculously high-flying words of devotion from Heathcliff and the opposition of his savagely cruel wit. I hated his unrelenting, unrepentant cruelty. I hated Catherine’s absurd shallowness and Linton’s peevishness.

The maid servant and narrator Nelly held the story together, and I enjoyed her as the one voice of moral clarity. I loved watching the children grow up and how their interactions evolved.
I wish there had been a little bit more moral clarity and condemnation for Heathcliff. Nelly does censure him, but the end is pretty ambiguous. Though, I am glad that it all ended well for the remaining family members.

So why is this a good book? What makes any book good?

I like a book to have engaging characters and at least a good moral. Yeah, I’m big on the moral. So Wuthering Heights, I liked it, but why? The moral wasn’t that great.

So have you read this odd book? What did you think of it?

[Mido · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights," edited by Harold Bloom, offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of one of literature's most enduring classics. Brontë's novel, known for its dark and haunting tale of love, revenge, and the complexities of the human psyche, is masterfully analyzed and contextualized by Bloom's expert editing.

Bloom's editorship adds depth and scholarly expertise to the reading experience. His inclusion of critical essays and scholarly commentary provides readers with valuable insights into the various themes and interpretations of "Wuthering Heights." These supplementary materials offer a broader understanding of the novel's historical context, its literary significance, and its enduring relevance.

One of the strengths of this edition is Bloom's own interpretive analysis. His perceptive observations and keen literary analysis shed new light on the characters, relationships, and thematic elements of the story. Bloom's astute exploration of the tormented love affair between Heathcliff and Catherine, the destructive forces of revenge, and the depiction of the Yorkshire moors, add layers of understanding and appreciation to Brontë's original work.

Furthermore, Bloom's inclusion of diverse critical perspectives allows readers to engage with various interpretations and viewpoints. This multi-faceted approach encourages readers to form their own opinions and fosters a deeper appreciation for the novel's complexities.

However, some readers may find that the extensive scholarly commentary and critical analysis can occasionally be overwhelming, particularly for those seeking a more casual reading experience. The abundance of academic discourse may detract from the immersive nature of the story for some readers.

Nevertheless, "Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights" is a valuable addition to any literary enthusiast's collection. Bloom's expert editing, coupled with the inclusion of critical essays and his own insightful analysis, make this edition a valuable resource for both scholars and casual readers alike. Whether revisiting the novel or discovering it for the first time, this edition offers an enriching experience that deepens one's appreciation for the timeless themes and compelling characters found within Brontë's remarkable work.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way that this series shows the progression of criticism over decades and shows the conversation taking place among scholars. I love Wuthering Heights and have read it many times (it may be the novel I have read the most times), so few of the ideas here were especially new to me, but I really enjoyed reading various takes on the novel.

One thing that does give me pause is that Bloom attributes both The Madwoman in the Attic and the section from it that he includes to Sandra Gilbert alone instead of also crediting Susan Gubar. IDK why.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have read it several times. It is the tale of love and revenge. It follows the lives pf a family and a gypsy boy the father found on the road. The daughter and the gypsy boy love each other but there are many obstacles to their love. The book has twist and turns and even a few ghosts. It is a book that is totally hard to put down.

[رضا بهرامی · Rating 4 out of 5]

مقدمه کافی مترجمان و پیشگفتار خود بلوم خلاصه‌‌ی خوبی از نظریه «اضطراب تاثیر» بلوم به دست می‌دهد. و مقاله‌هایی که در پی می‌آید بعضی‌هاشان در پرتو این نظریه و بعضی مستقل از آن به اشخاص و رخ‌دادهای رمان «بلندی‌های بادگیر» از وجوه مختلف روانشناسی و ... می‌پردازد.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very thought-provoking essays on one of my all-time favorites.