(an AP Literature FRQ #3 practice)
In many works of literature, a home, estate, or physical setting functions as more than mere background; it operates as a reflection of the characters’ psychological states, social status, or moral alignment. Contrast between two contrasting settings can highlight fundamental conflicts in values, temperament, or worldview.
Consider how Emily Brontë uses the stark contrast between Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange to illuminate complex relationships, character motivations, or central themes in the novel.
Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights takes place in two distinct settings: the wild, untamed Wuthering Heights versus the orderly, refined Thrushcross Grange. By contrasting the characters who inhabit each of these environments, Bronte illustrates the indelible marks a child’s developmental environment can leave on their psyche.
The seclusion and wilderness of Wuthering Heights reflect the impulse and passion that drive its inhabitants, the Earnshaws. The word “wuthering” refers to the violent, unpredictable gusts of wind that inhabit the estate, which aptly reflect the tempestuous mental state of the Earnshaws and their tendency to act on impulse. For instance, the novel’s inciting incident occurs when Mr. Earnshaw makes the impulsive decision to adopt an orphaned, dark-skinned boy into his family without getting any prior approval. He then passes this nature of passion and impulse onto his children, best illustrated by the relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Catherine’s passionate love for Heathcliff overrides the restraints of her elite social status, and she constantly goes out on indelicate trips to the moors with Heathcliff, with no regard for the ostracization that could follow. Then, when the two reunite after Heathcliff’s disappearance, this passion also evolves into vengeance as both sides try to harm the other and provoke their jealousy. Thus, the tempestuous environment of Wuthering Heights infuses its children with impulse and passion.
In contrast, the quiet and order of Thrushcross Grange leaves its children—Edgar Linton, Isabella Linton, and Catherine “Cathy” Linton—with a curious mix of kindness, sensitivity, and prejudice. Compared to Wuthering Heights, Thrushcross Grange provides a more comfortable residence for its children, which gives them a gentler nature. For instance, Edgar Linton treats Catherine far less roughly than Heathcliff does: he accommodates brash demands like admitting Heathcliff into the house, and also faithfully attends to Catherine when she falls ill. However, the upper-class upbringing Thrushcross Grange provides also leaves the Lintons with an air of superiority and prejudice. When Catherine and Heathcliff first stumble upon Thrushcross Grange, the Lintons take the former in but expel the latter on the basis of his skin color and unrefined appearance; then later, Cathy demeans Hareton for his illiteracy and even refuses to accept him as her cousin.
For all their differences, the two environments share a major flaw: their seclusion. While the seclusion of Wuthering Heights enables impulse and passion to transform into violence and abuse, the seclusion of Thrushcross Grange fosters elitism and prejudice.
Reflection
I wanted to address how the specific physical elements of each location affected its residents, but as I began writing, I realized I lacked sufficient knowledge of these physical details. In retrospect, a few features I could have mentioned:
- Thrushcross Grange is surrounded by a high wall => seclusion, social division, elitism
- Soft carpets, plush furniture
- Exposed firearms at Wuthering Heights => endorses violence
- later threatens Heathcliff with a pistol
- because rough interior offers little comfort, Catherine and Heathcliff come to view the moors as their true home
- “The roof… had never been under-drawn: its entire anatomy lay bare to an inquiring eye, except where a frame of wood laden with oatcakes and clusters of legs of beef, mutton, and ham, concealed it” (Ch. 1).