Jessica’s Comments (group member since Jan 02, 2013)

Jessica’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

Thanks! I will check it out for sure! Have you read any of the other writings by this author? I always wanted to read uncle Silas but haven't gotten to it yet.

I didn't know there was a series out! I'm excited to hear this though. What network is showing it?

There are a lot of differences between Carmilla and the modern horror version. Even major differences between her and Bram Stoker's. I think the only movie I have ever seen that comes close to the Carmilla version is Let the Right One In.

Carmilla fed on her Souls via the human response to obsession. There was never a focus on seduction or sex. It was about her victim being imprisoned by their obsession with her. They wanted to do everything with her and for her. Does that make sense?

I found the brutality to be jarring. However it also did draw me in. It was if I was living the abuse out with the characters. Abusing myself by reading the story and not stopping.

I wonder if that was purposeful on Bronte's part? She does a great job at keeping the reader drawn in. But she also pushes the reader to endure some abuse. How far will you go before you say enough? Kind of the same question I was asking the characters throughout the story.

Daniel wrote: "I vote redemption. I'm voting this way because at the end of the book, the two housesare united (Linton and Earnshaw). I think the happy couple at the end (Catherine the younger and Hareton) are th..."

That is a great way of viewing everything! I am in agreement. It truly is a story of redemption. That vegeance, hatred, mistreatment, etc has all been cleansed away from these young souls. As they come together, the dark cloud that has been covering the moors seems to slide away. My heart was very happy by the end.

Great summation and perspective. I had a hard time getting into it originally as well. People who love it lead you to believe it's this rainbow and puppy dogs type of story...and it isn't.

I enjoyed the nesting of povs and stories. It was interesting to see how everyone portrayed situations and each other.

Heathcliff is such one of those characters with layers the reader gets to peel back as the story continues. Seeing him as child gave me the ability to have sympathy and care for him throughout the story. Even today.

I went back and forth so many times over Heatchliffe. Like @Ishita said, the family made him what has became. It's like an early argument on nature vs. nurture. I wonder if that is what Emily was discussing in this story.

In 1847, when the book was first published, many were shocked by the amount of brutality and violence but were also drawn into the story.
How did these moments effect you?

Wuthering Heights: Violence and cruelty

Share your favorite quotes from the story here.

The END:
How did you feel about the ending?

(A few more chapters added into this discussion)
Discuss 19-28

Discuss chapters 13-18.

A triangle is formed: Discuss ;)

Discuss thoughts, comments, emotions, etc you have for the opening of the story.

This story is told in present and past timelines and different point of view.
How did/does this effect your experience reading the story? How did it effect your reaction?

I feel it is important, for those reading it for the first time, to note this book can cause strong emotional responses and discussions. I'm by no means trying to scare anyone...I just want everyone to be prepared and know ahead of time that abuse (physical and emotional/mental) plays a major role in this story.

That being said, it is a great book and I am very excited to discuss all of these things.

Do you think the novel is a tale of redemption, despair, or both?
Do you think the novel's moral content dictates one choice over the other?

A lot of these characters are difficult to love, which can make this book a challenge for some. Who do you find yourself rooting for and love?

Do you continue to root for Heathcliff, even knowing all of the horrible things he does? Why or why not? Do you think he is cruel? Is his cruelty justified?

I read this 2 years ago! There are do any topics and discussions I wanted to have while I read it but no one to talk to. I can't wait to see what everyone's thoughts are. :)

I love the Bronte sisters!