Nita’s answer to “Why? Why? Will someone just tell why people love this book so much? What is so great about it?” > Likes and Comments
51 likes · Like
Wow. I love the way you answered this. I have had a lasting fascination with this book and Heathcliff for over 20 years. I think the "heroes" of this book are Haerton and the young Catherine who are what Heathcliff and Catherine could have been if there were not societal constraints on them. Cathy felt the desire to be accepted into a society that measured women only by the status of their choice of mate and poor Heathcliff could never "fit in". As much as the reader loves him for knowing that love should have been her choice, his insane pride (give it up man, she doesn't HAVE to choose you, you love her, you do not own her) and inability to move on lead him to do horrible acts of cruelty. I can forgive Heathcliff for Hindley's demise. I can forgive him for taunting Edgar. But poor Isabella, Linton, Haerton (a character whose attachment to Heathcliff reflects the readers) and poor doggie! I cannot condone the things Heathcliff does. In real life I would probably scream "Crazy bastard! and run away". On the pages of the novel I feel pity and sympathy for his character. He destroys himself in his quest to destroy others. I am not so sure that I agree with your comment that he does not learn anything through the course of the novel. I see his "giving up" as an "aha" moment" that comes unfortunately too late for most of those around him. I think the fact that he is tired and admits defeat and realizes that everyone else (Cathy and Haerton) move on despite Heathcliff being stuck- is what allows him to move on (death) and unite with his love in the afterlife. Young Catherine and is Cathy-she does not care what Haerton looks like, where his standing is in society. She loves him. Haerton doesn't feel the need to strike out at anyone-include Heathcliff. In fact unlike "his father" he can feel empathy for others. If Haerton can love and forgive Heathcliff...perhaps there is forgiveness from the reader. I don't know. But I adore this novel.
Sorry for my mistakes- Young Catherine is Cathy. out at anyone- including Heathcliff. :)
I absolutely agree with everything you said! Couldn't have said it better myself! This book is NOT a romance, and I don't know why people want it to be one.
Wuthering Heights is not about great romance, it is about obsession. All of the main characters are full of human flaws of one kind or another. In spite of the dark, gloomy atmosphere it has remained my favorite novel since the first time I read it when I was sixteen years old. I'm seventy three now and have read it five times over the years. However, I can understand why some people don't like it.
@Hester, Can you please help me to know why?
Thanks so much for this answer, Nita! I felt completely bewildered when I finished this book, but your analysis helped me start to wrap my brain around this book and why it remains so popular.
This is an awesome explanation. I'm not sure it makes me "like" the book anymore, but at least helps to understand why so many people love it in spite of (or because of?) its grimness
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Monique
(new)
Oct 16, 2016 04:27PM
Wow. I love the way you answered this. I have had a lasting fascination with this book and Heathcliff for over 20 years. I think the "heroes" of this book are Haerton and the young Catherine who are what Heathcliff and Catherine could have been if there were not societal constraints on them. Cathy felt the desire to be accepted into a society that measured women only by the status of their choice of mate and poor Heathcliff could never "fit in". As much as the reader loves him for knowing that love should have been her choice, his insane pride (give it up man, she doesn't HAVE to choose you, you love her, you do not own her) and inability to move on lead him to do horrible acts of cruelty. I can forgive Heathcliff for Hindley's demise. I can forgive him for taunting Edgar. But poor Isabella, Linton, Haerton (a character whose attachment to Heathcliff reflects the readers) and poor doggie! I cannot condone the things Heathcliff does. In real life I would probably scream "Crazy bastard! and run away". On the pages of the novel I feel pity and sympathy for his character. He destroys himself in his quest to destroy others. I am not so sure that I agree with your comment that he does not learn anything through the course of the novel. I see his "giving up" as an "aha" moment" that comes unfortunately too late for most of those around him. I think the fact that he is tired and admits defeat and realizes that everyone else (Cathy and Haerton) move on despite Heathcliff being stuck- is what allows him to move on (death) and unite with his love in the afterlife. Young Catherine and is Cathy-she does not care what Haerton looks like, where his standing is in society. She loves him. Haerton doesn't feel the need to strike out at anyone-include Heathcliff. In fact unlike "his father" he can feel empathy for others. If Haerton can love and forgive Heathcliff...perhaps there is forgiveness from the reader. I don't know. But I adore this novel.
reply
|
flag
Sorry for my mistakes- Young Catherine is Cathy. out at anyone- including Heathcliff. :)
I absolutely agree with everything you said! Couldn't have said it better myself! This book is NOT a romance, and I don't know why people want it to be one.
Wuthering Heights is not about great romance, it is about obsession. All of the main characters are full of human flaws of one kind or another. In spite of the dark, gloomy atmosphere it has remained my favorite novel since the first time I read it when I was sixteen years old. I'm seventy three now and have read it five times over the years. However, I can understand why some people don't like it.
@Hester, Can you please help me to know why?
Thanks so much for this answer, Nita! I felt completely bewildered when I finished this book, but your analysis helped me start to wrap my brain around this book and why it remains so popular.
This is an awesome explanation. I'm not sure it makes me "like" the book anymore, but at least helps to understand why so many people love it in spite of (or because of?) its grimness
