Wuthering Heights is an epic narrative that is full of love, hate, desire, revenge and regret. It is to some extent a Gothic novel. It was written in 1847 and the geographical setting is Yorkshire moors with some events taking place in London.
The novel opens with Mr. Lockwood, a tenant of Heathcliff living in Thrushcross Grange visiting his landlord at Wuthering Heights. The visit yields mysterious discoveries which pique Mr. Lockwood’s curiosity.
When he gets back to Thrushcross Grange, he requests a thorough explanation and clarifications of what he encounters at Wuthering Heights from Mrs.
Nelly Dean, a servant who grew up in Wuthering Heights but now takes care of Thrushcross Grange. Nelly then narrates the events that led to Lockwood’s discoveries at the Heights.
Mr. Earnshaw, a Yorkshire farmer and the owner of Wuthering Heights brings home a starving orphan from Liverpool.
The nameless boy is later named Heathcliff and he is raised together with the Earnshaw’s children, Hindley and Catherine as the man doesn’t discriminate between the boy and his children.
Hindley, the boy, feels deeply hurt and resentful, while Catherine, his sister, on the other hand develops an immensely strong bond with Heathcliff, which becomes an all-consuming love.
After the death of Mr. Earnshaw, Hindley becomes the head of the family and forces Heathcliff to assume the position of a servant. At the same time Catherine and Heathcliff play wildly on the moors because their love waxes stronger every day.
There is also the family of Linton that lives in Thrushcross Grange. The family is of the upper class in the society and they have two children; Edgar and Isabella.
The Lintons are invited to Wuthering Heights and they agree to honour the invitation on the condition that Heathcliff will be kept away from their children. Heathcliff feels hurt here.
Catherine creates interest in Edgar Linton and initially shares her time between Edgar and Heathcliff, but soon spends more time with Edgar. Heathcliff later overhears Catherine telling Nelly that she can never marry him.
He is greatly enraged and leaves Wuthering Heights and he is nowhere to be found for three years.
After Heathcliff leaves, Catherine and Edgar’s love becomes stronger and they end up marrying each other. This single action leads to heartbreak and tragedy, not only for them but for many others.
The relationship is strained when Heathcliff comes back and the atmosphere at Wuthering Heights also changes. Catherine gives birth to Catherine (Cathy) and dies. Heathcliff marries Isabella, Edgar’s sister and gives birth to Linton, a sickly boy.
Catherine’s ghost has been haunting Heathcliff and this affects him mentally and physically.
Heathcliff plans his revenge on the two families; Lintons and Earnshaws. He plans to take over Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange and acquire their properties. He is also ready to destroy anything that impedes his way while executing his plans. After the death of Hindley, he gains the control of Wuthering Heights.
He forces Linton, his son to marry Catherine (Cathy), the daughter of Edgar Linton and Catherine Earnshaw scheming to gain the control of Thrushcross Grange. When Edgar Linton dies, he becomes the master of Thrushcross Grange.
Eventually, Heathcliff nearly turns to a ghoul as he sleeps in Catherine’s grave. He refuses to eat and lives a solitary life. He is later found dead in his room by Nelly Dean. Hareton, Hindley’ son, is to marry Catherine (Cathy).