Two Lovers in Wuthering Heights

In Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte portrays a conflict between Catherine’s feelings for two contrasting cltaracters through the use of irony through the abundant passion the two have for her and the lack of passion for herself. The symbolism of events which define the efforts of Catherine’s lovers to get closer to her and their inability to succeed and die detailed contrasts of Catherine’s relationships in the novel to convey that competiLion is only worth it if what is desired can be won.

Through the characters of Heathcliff and Catherine, the inability of two competing interests, a relationship of Catherine and Edgar, and one of Catherine and Heathcliff pull the plot in directions to exemplify this stniggle to choose. Catherine’s difficulty to choose between her two lovers as Bronte exhibits through irony, symbolism, and detailed contrasts to demonstrate her conflicting interests and her ability to be unattainable. irony, in Catherine’s relationships, is Common, as Catherine says mat she is in love with both Edgar and Heathcliff, yet this is contrary to the belief that one may only be in love with one person.

As shown by the plight of choosing between allowing.

Heathcliff on her property, having long discussions with him about her feelings for him, and the marriage that stands between Catherine and Edgar, there is a direct discrepancy between what one who is in love with one person would do and what Catherine does. This calls the reader’s attention to potential hidden motivations of Catherine that are beneath the ones that are shown in her difficulty of choice.

Get quality help now

Prof. Finch

Verified

Proficient in: Irony

4.7 (346)

“ This writer never make an mistake for me always deliver long before due date. Am telling you man this writer is absolutely the best. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

There is symbolism used to show the difficulties of Camerine’s choice include the premonition Lhat Catherine has a close connection with Heathcliff, yet she does not choose to be with him. Commonly, Catherine claims that she and Heathcliff share the same composition, thoughts, feelings, aitd that they are practically the same person, as their youth was spent with the two of them being inseparable.

This symbolizes the characteristics of Catherine through her relationship with Heathcliff, as her true motivations and feelings are often hidden, making Camerine’s own perceptions of herself difficult to interpret. Because the relationship with Heathcliff is described this way, it symbolizes much more than a close friendship. Instead, it symbolizes Catherine’s personality, that she has difficulty expressing outside of comparison to another. Detailed contrasts exist in the personalities of Catherine and Edgar, and what choosing Edgar represents for Catherine’s future, and for her character. The personality of Edgar is much different than the often romanticized personality of Catherine, as he is often described to be rather dull, submissive, and sickly. Therefore, choosing Edgar represents an inner stniggle to admire the characteristics of oneself, or to admire someone else’s. Catherine’s difficulty with coming to terms with her own views of herself are shown through these contrasts, symbols, and irony which are represented in the book by her inability to choose a lover.

Emily Bronte uses irony, symbolism, and detailed contrast to show Headicliff’s struggle to obtain Catherine and face the reality that Catherine may not be able to be won. Irony is demonstrated through the pattern of Heathcliff’s attempts to control events, such as forcing his and Catherine’s children to marry one another. as well as his actions to acquire both estates on the property where Catherine lives, These events show the plight of Heathcliff to try to control his environment, all done in order to obtain a relationship, The irony resides in the Lruth that a relationship is exactly the opposite of what l-leathcliff’s actions demand, as me mutual lack of control for one’s feelings in a relaLionship. Bronte uses symbolism through many direct events involving Heathcliff, such as Heathcliff’s visitation to Catherine’s grave, where he opens the casket, takes her locket, and puts some of his hair inside.

Though Heathcliff is aware that this shows his devotion, he is not aware of the representation this action is of his entire relationship with Cadrerine. Because Catherine died, which was out of his control, she could not be won. However, Heathcliff cannot accept that she cannot be won, and so he does ridiculous and dramatic actions to try to do the impossible. Finally, the detailed contrasts between the personalities of Edgar and Heathcliff go to show that choosing one or the other is a reflection of Catherine’s character on to herself. Because Catherine is never forced to choose between the two men, who are different in many ways, she waits years and creates more problems that polarize the personaliLies and actions of each man. This tension and deep contrast is shown in the scene where Edgar hits Heathcliii, then retreats, calling for the reader to speculate on what the actions of each character meant at the climax of their interactions.

Edgar’s actions showed a frustration he could not express in words, and a fear of the consequences when he ran from Heathcliff. Heathcliff’s inaction showed a deeper strength and confidence in his position, The differences between Edgar and Heamclift, the symbolism of Heathcliff’s difficulties with not being able to control his circumstances, and the ironies of the same dissonance go to show that a pleasant romantic relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff or Catherine and Edgar is impossible, as Catherine creates a division between the two men and has too many problems with her own identity to be “won” by either.