In the realm of Gothic romance novels, there are few with as cold of a reputation as "Wuthering Heights." For those expecting a straightforward story of a man betrothing a woman, it proves to be a much more complicated set of affairs than that. If anything, it delves into the unpleasant side effects of a relationship gone horribly wrong. Emily Bronte may have only produced one novel, but it's the type of story that has lingered in the public's consciousness, reflecting the efforts of abusive men and the way that they will ultimately try to seek power through a legacy that may not be fully earned. It's calculated work and one that hides behind unpleasantness, but the results are definitely a thrilling read for those willing to see a reality not often afforded to older literature. Not every man who played the hero is deserving of his status, and Bronte turned him into a tragic icon anyway, the butt of critics for centuries to come.
One of the flashes of brilliance of the novel is how it begins as a more conventional romance. Together, they fall in love and go about a taboo romance. Is Heathcliff black? What is causing him to be ostracized from the larger community? It's the uncomfortable nature that distracts from the fact that he's in search of power and using the woman to define his potential. There is a belief that there's love there, but it slowly fades when suddenly she dies and he's left to take care of her children. In this way, Bronte presents the greatest deceit of all. He may have loved her, but the way he loves everyone else is more cold and unpleasant. He begins to slip from the graces of a hero and becomes something of a narcissist who sees the bad in the younger generation. He struggles to have compassion and instead of respecting her memory covertly ruins it.
There's a lot to enjoy about "Wuthering Heights" as a text. Unlike many contemporary romantic texts, having it written by a young woman who clearly had complicated relationships with men reveals a nuance not often afforded to published work. Gone is the hero who can do no wrong. Instead it's a bit cynical, suggesting that one shouldn't give too much into these fantasies. It's beautiful at first, but soon it will become something more uncomfortable. Bronte put her all into this novel and produced something that challenged societal norms and allowed for the rise of the antihero. It may not please those wanting to be swept off their feet, but for those who see relationships as something more complicated, it's a brutal, unmatched masterpiece.
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