How to Read Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (10 Tips)

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0:00 how to read Wuthering Heights
0:52 read in light of the novel’s deadly eros
3:00 the publishing history of Wuthering Heights
4:30 contemporary reviews of Wuthering Heights
5:28 meet Heathcliff as Byronic anti-hero
8:30 two types of man in Brontë’s dark cosmos
9:30 the Brontës’ childhood
10:30 Emily Brontë as Gothic Romantic
11:30 Emily Brontë as Shakespearean novelist
12:10 nature vs civilisation
12:52 symbolism in Wuthering Heights
13:10 Walter Pater’s pathetic fallacy
14:00 Emily Brontë and the Romantic Sublime
15:00 latent vs manifest meaning
15:45 the moors in Wuthering Heights
17:30 the short tragic life of Emily Brontë
18:00 the poetry of Emily Brontë
20:00 social, cultural, and historical context
21:00 men and women in Victorian England
24:00 class strife and social mobility
27:00 Wuthering Heights as set in Hell
28:40 the characters and time of the novel
31:45 Wuthering Heights, King Lear & Moby Dick
32:30 the value of discussing and rereading the novel
33:00 the Wuthering Heights lecture series

[@Galdra]

Wuthering heights was my first English classic, I read it when I was seventeen in English which is my third language. I have read it only once since then. I don't understand how people can hate the book, it is one of the greatest if not the greatest English novel. It is the first novel in history that makes an link between child abuse, and how it may lead to future psychological disorder like aggression.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow. Thanks for sharing your history with the work, Karen. I’ve not heard many people hate on the book, luckily, but I’ve definitely heard readers say they find it confusing - which is part of the effect Emily intended and part of the fun :) Great point on the link between child abuse and adult psychological development. Back when I studied Psychology, it was the modules on child caregiver deprivation and case studies in orphanages that left me quite tearful. And I can’t help but summon those depressing facts when I read Wuthering Heights.

[@tamarabedic9601]

Yes; both generations of C's and H's are deprived of maternal love. For Catherine and Heathcliff (1.0) this absence is compounded by their father's early death, by physical beatings, injustices and humiliations and finally abandonment of their beloved "other half". All by the age of 15 / 16. This is how sociopaths are created,

[@silviavalen1402]

Just discovered this channel. WH is a fascinating piece of art. Difficult to understand unless you study it. Thank you for providing bearings, so subsequent readings can be more enjoyable.

[@CarolH2O]

My first classic literary novel was actually Jane Eyre, when I was 12 years old. I had discovered it on the bookshelf next to where I sat in my 7th grade English teacher's classroom. Then reread it with much more comprehension 7 years later at the behest of my first love. Wuthering Heights soon followed. I loved both equally...

[@nexanine]

I'm reading it right now and guess what? I'm seventeen too 😄

[@maggieattenborrow6725]

I read Wuthering Heights when I was about 15; I am now near my 8th decade. This is a book that has followed me for all those years. I have read it at least 3 times, followed the Brontes, especially Emily, and watched, I should think, all the films and TV adaptations as possible. I cannot get the images out of my mind. If I walk alone in the Country, with my little dog, I often find my thoughts returning to Wuthering Heights. The book has bewitched me. I admit I find Heathcliff something like a drug, I should hate him; I try not to love him!!! I love the wildness of Catherine. I knew the first time I read the book, that the night the two (Heathcliff and Catherine) spied on the Lyntons, was the begining of something destructive for them both. The novel has such powerful imagery, that as well as reading, it is so easy to visulise. The dark foreboding presence in the house, where the people are basic and uncouth, compared to the Lyntons, with all the niceties of modern living, even now, evokes physical feelings that can be disturbing to the reader. Except perhaps, in Wuthering Heights there is always a huge blazing fire in the main room, where the dogs sleep. The warmth and the comfort of the house disputes the bitterness of the people living there. The relationship between Catherine abd Heathcliff goes beyond love; I think it is a deep, deep need for one's other self!!!

[@terencebennison6275]

I have read it once, although I had started previously to read it several times , but gave up, usually during the first chapters, so dark was it. Not the easiest read, but worth it if you soldier on to the end. The character of Heathcliffe I found to be really hard.

[@colonialgal1750]

Emily Bronte is such an amazing writer of character, she makes you feel for Heathcliff, Hindley, and even Joseph. Catherine is the only one I could not feel for. A spoilt, petulant annoyance. I even felt for Edgar, even though he was rather weak.He couldn't stand up to Catherine, gave into her every whim, and took out his frustrations on his sister, Isabella, not rescuing her from Heathcliff. Even Linton can be felt for. Love this novel. By far my favourite, it is one of a kind.

[@ahmetfatih4121]

Well if you didn't understand Catherine you would be missing a lot from the book, she's at the heart of the first part of the story. In summary, she is a character born wild, but succumbs to the society and its norms as she grows up, falling for an "outsider", betraying her own identity, then at last comes to regret it. Of course these are presented to the reader with symbolism.

[@KeithanFunk]

@@ahmetfatih4121 surely her selfishness is meant to be felt though I would assume? Anna Karenina has, herself, a very sympathetic predicament. She is still a very selfish and mean character by the end of the book, no matter my sympathies for her position. Her deeds and words ultimately cannot be abided-I feel the same with Catherine

[@testcardII]

Great video! On Carl Jung’s “Man and his Symbols”, Heathcliff is mentioned as a manifestation of Emily Brontë’s own animus…

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you! I love that. Jung was such an incredible reader of literature. “Nelly - I am Heathcliff” - Emily’s words in Catherine’s mouth. It’s a shame that what we know of Emily is filtered through her sister Charlotte, otherwise I’m sure she would have claimed to be Heathcliff herself. Rather like Flaubert’s “C’est moi” in talking of Emma Bovary.

[@antonellahuron496]

I see them as a twin soul, separated by deep transgenerational trauma. To me Emily would not have said she is Heathcliff like Flaubert said he was Emma, she was Catherine rather, meeting her own masculine/wild, dark and sacrificial self embodied in Heathcliff. I could go on to compare them to Mary Magdalene and Jesus, same dynamics..

[@Adott2]

I read Wuthering Heights during my undergraduate in 2019. It was (still is) me and my ex's favorite novel mostly because of this quote "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." I thought I had found the love of my life but she went on and cheated on me last year. I cherish this novel tremendously because it embodies the raw emotions of love, separation, loss, heartbreak, and so on. It has been months since she cheated but remembering everything still brings tears. I cried and sympathized with Heathcliff as I thought his pain was immeasurable. It is truly the one of the worst experiences to lose the person you love--be it to another man or themselves. This novel is a masterpiece and a staple of lost lovers' experiences to say the least.

[@rickwrites2612]

I hope you continue to heal.

[@miodowaslimonom]

Well, finally something I have actually read! I picked “Withering Heights” up when I was around 13 and it instantly became my favourite. I reread it several times during my teenage years (the Polish translation, though). I thought I should reread it again now, but also listened to another talk on it and remembered what I loved in it. The variety of characters, the fact that we’re not always behave as we should, that we can we can hurt the loved ones, that we can respect and appreciate some people but still not love them, that someone’s hurt can be so great that their only comfort is to hurt others (which obviously never helps because it never does). All sorts of things. This book is pure humanity. It’s a complete masterpiece of its own but the circumstances of its creation make it even more remarkable.

[@cesposito]

This is my first time reading Wuthering Heights, though I have some familiarity with Brontë's poetry thanks to my 12th grade AP English teacher. What brought me to the book and, more broadly, your book club is a desire to develop a habit of savoring as much as I can of what I read. I can't think of a better place to start than such a beautiful, haunted genius. Thanks for a fantastic intro and framework for approaching this novel. Looking forward to our journey together. (That goes for everyone here!)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Cat! I’m so thrilled you’re reading along with us :) I agree that this is the perfect place to start. I often put Wuthering Heights into the hands of those wanting to embark on the journey of experiencing the great books deeply. Her poetry is fantastic, isn’t it? I’ve been chanting it to myself over the last few days, and love reading certain chapters through the lens of her poetry. I can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts!

[@keithlongley362]

Your a real tonic, just the medicine we need in this crazy world at the moment.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Keith :) I appreciate that!

[@RethaGroenewald]

Listening to a few of your videos inspired me to return to the classics. This is my first read of Wuthering Heights and I can’t put it down. It brings back so many pleasant childhood memories of reading great novels. Jane Eyre and Anna Karenina were some of my favorites and of course Anne of Green Gables. The book pulls me into their world as the world around me disappears. Missed that total immersion. 2022 is for sure a year to discover great books and rereads of childhood favorites. Thanks for opening this door again. I feel like I stepped into CS Lewis cupboard…

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I’m so happy to hear that, Retha! And I’m even happier to hear you can’t put Wuthering Heights down on your first reading. Magnificent, isn’t it? I have a feeling that you will read this one many times over your life. It sounds like it will become a solid favourite. And a year composed of a blend of newly discovered classics and returning to childhood favourites sounds like the perfect reading year to me!

[@RethaGroenewald]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy have to confess I finished it. Obviously it wasn’t a deep read, just sheer pleasure. But the characters and the story linger and yes, I couldn’t help chatting to a friend about Wutheirng Heoghts. I agree, I’ll probably return to the story and do a deep read second time around.

[@ourphilosophyis9119]

I drew my own family tree for this book and thought I was the only one! So glad to hear others have done the same!

[@christinecallahan5512]

Heathcliff suffered all his life of a lost big love, his heart was burned and he was sooo right when he said to cathy, " WHY YOU GIVE AWAY LOVE FOR A BIT OF WEALTHYNESS " such true words....... l only felt with heathcliff in the movie of 1939, l felt so much for him.....

[@sharonalbanese8084]

What a wonderful film with Laurence Olivier at his most brooding and charismatic.

[@SueVilla-vq7ce]

Hi Ben Wuthering Heights is and always will be,a very special read for me.Having been lucky enough to have my mum studying it college,when I was twelve.She gave it to me to read and we sat for many hours analysing it.I have read it countless times more over the years and it will always sit,in it's multi-faceted glory in my heart.I am a published poet and have just begun,what promises to be a very exciting degree with the OU on Eng Lit and creative writing,and am very much looking forward to your enthralling talks.

[@RogueMamaStitcher1]

I read Wuthering Heights in high school over 20 years ago and the book has never left my consciousness. Truly the way Emily Brontë wrote it put me into a dreamlike state, full of misty moor fantasy and dread. I have re-watched the Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon WH 1939 movie many times over because of the softer portrayal of Heathcliff and hopeful romanticism. The book is much harsher as Heathcliff attempts to bring all abusers opressors and wrong doers down.

[@christinagely2086]

I love listening to you and you have inspired me to re-read so many old friends! I dig your passion ❤

[@Insatiableviel007]

Thank you very much for the video :) I read Wuthering Heights a few years ago. Back then I was strucked by the sheer power, wildness and intensity of the novel but couldn't make out some literary and cultural aspects of Emily Brönte's contemporary time. Your video would be really helpful to increase my appreciation for this masterpiece.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Arghya :) I love how you've described your reaction to Wuthering Heights. Perfectly put!

[@donaldkelly3983]

Twenty years ago or so I read Wuthering Heights and I was irritated by the story. I think the irrationality of all the characters put me off. This was a time when I had more faith in human behavior. Listening to your advice, especially reading Bronte's poetry, has convinced me to try again. We're all carrying some of Bronte's people inside us.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I know exactly what you mean, Donald. I don’t like having a lot of drama in my life, so I look on and breathe a sigh of frustration too. I also felt this way with Anna Karenina. Engaging with the sentiment is a great way through this. As Samuel Johnson said of Richardson’s Clarissa, one must read the novel for the sentiment or else go mad (something to that effect). Let me know how you get on with your reading this time around!

[@sonitagovan]

I absolutely loved this video. I happened to be listening to it and my mum walked in and said gosh I read this book once and I did not get it...it lead to a 45 minute discussion on Wuthering heights that made me late for work...and I loved that we could talk so deeply about a book that I really enjoy.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That is so awesome! I love these kinds of discussions :) It sounds like you both had a great chat!

[@Arsenal.N.I7242]

I started this in my early twenties and had to give up, couldn't get into it. Back then all I was reading was fantasy and horror books and picked this up because of the cover. Now in my mid 30s and reading taste's a lot different I should maybe try this again. I believe I'd get more from it now. Funny how time changes our reading interests. Good video, got me interested again 👍.

[@emmaphilo4049]

I read WH 3 times in my life or so. Your video makes me want to find the audiobook and let it put me to sleep the next few days :) such a great story.

[@mihirsaksena2727]

Damn you look really good, as always. The smile you always have on the thumbnails makes me smile

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thanks, Mihir!

[@juliap2226]

I just found your site. Gosh, you made me work hard just listening to you explain how to read Wuthering Heights. I now don't feel so inferior because it was difficult to keep all the different lineage in order. You have caused me much pain, but it was enjoyable.😀

[@user-ji9jd1gq9z]

Brilliant analysis,even better than the one I studied at University... I can still recall the thesis I had to write on the characters of the book... Thank you so much !

[@lauraludtke8988]

I enjoyed so much your video. Everything you mentioned makes the reading much more enjoyable!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Laura :) That's so sweet of you to say. Happy reading!

[@gracajose8474]

A little late to this conversation but what an informative video. I do envy not being American nor European at least to read this book in highschool, but, at the age of 26, I am certainly glad to have the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, ill definitely watch this video before reading the physical book. I made the mistake of thinking that this novel was strictly a romance novel and I listened to it right after listening to Pride and Prejudice, so I went in expecting fully romance but still fell in love with the story. Can't wait to have a hard copy and annotate to my hearts content. Again great video 👏

[@goodstorylover]

Hi, my first time on your video. I have been sitting here and listening not only to your nicely expressed opinions (non native English speaker here, but a great admirer of English language and a beauty of its accents and expressions ), but to all the angles - some of them quite new - this book can be seen from. The Brontes together with Dickens were my favourites from childhood, first in my own laguage, then gradually read in English, and WH really stands on its own I think. I have changed my view of this story and its characters several times, whenever I came back to it, depending on my own life experience and also on my growing knowledge about the life of E. Bronte and the times she had lived in. I very much recommend the TV movie To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters from 2016.

[@taaptee]

The timing! I'm 3/4 through it I'm so glad you posted this right now 💚

[@taaptee]

Just got through watching your video and as always it was so immensely enlightening, I will make sure to keep all this in mind. You really do make me want to keep introspecting and learning! I first read the book when I was 17, and this re-read at almost 20 makes me feel like I couldn't have possibly understood any of it back then. Already aching to get back to it in a few years to see what I'm missing!!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you :) I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've had this experience for so many great books. I even have my first copy of Wuthering Heights, which is covered with my marginalia from university when I was just 18-years-old. I smile looking back over it because much of it was lost on my young self - and I'm sure the book will take on new meaning over the years to come!

[@cmmosher8035]

I picked this up in grade school because i thought it was a horror novel. I misinterpreted the description and thought it was ghost story because i thought the blurb described it as haunted story vs a haunting story. In a way i wasn't wrong.

[@Helloitsme5618]

One of my favorite books!

[@CurtRowlett]

Thank you for such a great discussion of one of the most perplexing stories (Wuthering Heights) that I think I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the book, but have always not known quite what it is that I feel about all of the central characters and just what it all means as a whole. I've always considered the story as a sort of "strange attractor" for me, as it has kept me thinking for so many years. I'm sure that is true since the book was first published. What a novel!

[@reece.w]

I miss school a lot due to illness so watching your videos keeps me sane because my mind is so stimulated by your amazing analyses! It also just makes me happy as I still get to delve into my favourite books from my bed :))

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much for sharing that with me. I'm so glad I can keep you company. I'm sorry to hear you suffering being unwell a lot, and I wish you more health this year!

[@sarahjaneross2918]

This was wonderful thank you! I live in Haworth, and I never tire of this power house of a book! 🖤 I love to walk around in their footsteps.. their energy is very present here..

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Sarah! I'll bet their presence is very strong :) I'm really yearning to visit Haworth myself in the near future and take a little Brontë pilgrimage!

[@sarahjaneross2918]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I am at Top Withens with my doggy as I write this! 😊

[@buddharuci2701]

Ben, I have never read it, but, happily, our reading group will be starting it up in May 2023. As is our wont, we will spend upwards of 50 two hour sessions together with the book, deep diving into all the oceans in which its characters swim. Many thanks for your talk here. Is your deep dive reading a series of lectures augmented by “chat”? I used to follow Simon Lokle’s Sunday morning summer reading which followed a great book for two three months. Wonderful. Be well.

[@rdjazzboy1944]

Difficulty allows for the revelatory moment, in the viewer, the listener, and the reader... which is essential for all art, in every discipline.

[@sharonalbanese8084]

What a truly fantastic analysis of an incredible book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Sharon :)

[@patriciatolliver4057]

I enjoyed your explanation and explanation of things. I have attempted this book 3 times and have stopped halfway 3 times because of Cathy and Heathcliffe. They drive me nuts. Your reference to Byron really helped. I am going to try it again. Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Patricia :) I'm so glad it was helpful! Ah, Cathy and Heathcliff quite rightly drive a lot of readers nuts! I'd love to hear how your experience goes this time around!

[@janetdidonato9963]

Absolutely wonderful analysis. I have just found your channel. How astute of you to link Emily Bronte to Shakelspeare -- as they are both alchemical/metaphysical writers/poets. Congratulations for getting this right. I don't think there are many these days who would.

[@peggymccright1220]

This will be the first time physically reading Wuthering Heights. I listened to it on my car cassette player many years ago. At least 25 years ago. I don’t remember much and I’m sure I missed a lot because attention to the road comes first! I’m looking forward to reading it from a more mature phase of my life and with more focus.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That’s so great to hear this is your first physical read, Peggy. I’m so excited for you! It makes for a great audio too as Emily was reenergising many storytellling techniques from the oral tradition. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

[@ya_boi_chrish]

Just finished the book. WOW.

[@carolinabho]

I recently read this novel and it was really interesting, I loved the author's style and the way she approaches the themes she develops. I would like to ask you something, could you please activate the subtitles for this video? I'm not a native English speaker and I find it hard to understand some things you say. It would be great for me to understand more clearly your ideas about the book. Thank you🙏🏽

[@tratcol]

Brilliant video! Thanks! Now inspired to read it for the first time!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

[@AljaVast]

I first read Wuthering Heights a little over a year ago and immediately became my top novel of the Victorian Era (surpassing my fav at the time which was The Mill on the Floss). I wrote an essay in my undergraduate Vict. Lit. on course on the novel regarding Brontë’s poetic prose. In sum, I argued that Wuthering Heights would not be novel it is if everything was straight forward and pulled various examples from themes of soul, weather, and philology, drawing on the thoughts various scholars and such. Started rereading as soon as I was half way through this vid :)

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

I too love, The Mill on the Floss. Funny, when I think of it there are some themes the two books share so it's understandable to love both.

[@user-oo8xp2rf1k]

The way to integrate the shadow is to express it in Art. If Heathcliff had written Wuthering Heights, I wouldn't be thinking he is such a dick.

[@colonialgal1750]

I wouldn't call it love between Cathy and Heathcliff, I'd call it an obsession, a bond. They couldn't have each other, but they didn't want others to have either. I love the landscape elorgy, the wilds of Wuthering Heights, and the calmness of Thrusscross Grange

[@lesterstone8595]

I agree with you thoroughly! It wasn't love.

[@stephaniehopkinsartist]

Definitely not love.

[@abbyfox2980]

Maybe possession? Who or what is Heathcliff? Where did he come from? Why is he named after a dead child? A changeling? A Gothic horror rather than a love story.......

[@24sherbear]

I read WH the first time many years ago then again with my book club about 10 years ago. At that time, I was hosting in my home that had been built in 1946. I think we were reading around Halloween. We were discussing some dramatic part about Heathcliff when the wind suddenly caught my front door throwing it open and scaring everyone, haha. The group was divided about the book some liked it and others hated it. I wish I'd had your comments then! However, I have always liked the book and will read it again soon with a different perspective. The ones that didn't like it took the characters very literally. They didn't like Heathcliff and they didn't like Cathy for loving him. I saw it more as a melodramatic, almost soap opera-like story with the Gothic ghost story. In fact, i think that is why we read it on Halloween. I often see debates between people who love WH and hate Jane Eyre or vice versa.

[@FarEastUranus]

Hi this is great! However I have not found the lecture series on Wuthering Heights? Is it out yet? Thanks!!!

[@BeautifulGirlSpeaks]

What will the book clubs schedule be for 2023? Is the "Proust" the only membership level that's available to join the club? Tank you Ben!

[@marynelson2875]

I read Wuthering Heights for a project in 12th grade English and looked at it through a feminist lens. Its was incredibly enlightening to learn about the Bronte sisters lives and the role of women in society during that time. The book has a lot of commentary on these norms.

[@umara1015]

Heathcliff is one of the greatest villains of all time. I hated him but I couldn't take my eyes off the page whenever he was in a scene.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I completely agree with you there. One of the greatest Byronic figures and, alongside Ahab from Moby Dick, one of the most fearsome monomaniacs!

[@Michael-rj5wr]

Lovely video Benjamin. Could you make a similar video for Much ado about nothing or Great Expectations? Thanks :)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Michael :) we have a few hours of videos on Great Expectations in the book club, and Much Ado About Nothing is on the schedule for summertime!

[@Michael-rj5wr]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thats fantastic, thank you!

[@tinkwolf3320]

I’m 2 chapters into Wuthering Heights now.

[@Of_infinite_Faith]

Bronte really tiptoes the line between absurdity and realism. The characters are absurd, constantly giving in to their passions against better judgement. But then again while reading it, i also thought that real people can absolutely be this way.

[@ya_boi_chrish]

Just when I think I have finished my reading list, out comes a video by my dear Benjamin. How can I not add Wuthering Heights, too? Oh, Benjamin, you enabler, you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

An enabler of reading great literature! I’m very happy with that appellation :) let the reading list never end! Happy reading with Wuthering Heights - I hope you enjoy it!

[@pattidunkin870]

Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome, Patti :)

[@cassinhacarvalho5015]

I love ,totally!!

[@kathya8421]

I did not care for this book when I first read it at age 15. Your discussion has made me want to re-visit!

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

I thoroughly enjoyed this talk. I have read Wuthering Heights three times,so far. The first time I read it I hated it. The second time I fell in love with it. I have been to Haworth twice. I felt when I saw the town and Personage and then the moors that I understood a little bit better the construct of the novel; civilization and wilderness and the point where they meet. Location, for me, showed the dichotomy. It seems easy to hate Heathcliff. I don't love him. He is cruel. But I understand why he is cruel by knowing pieces of his early history. But you don't get too much history so he remains mysterious. I find him extremely intelligent, and that's attractive to me and disturbing. I have empathy for him, but I certainly don't want to spend much time, if any, if he were a non fiction person. I have subscribed to your channel. I am curious if you will be discussing The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne. It is my favorite Bronte book. Thank you. I look forward to watching more of your discussions.

[@atomicdmt8763]

audiobook version... is my pro tip!

[@brendamckay2618]

A very fine analysis of Emily’s novel, Ben. I liked your linking of it with KING LEAR & MOBY DICK. (One thing I would contest is the comment about George Eliot & G H Lewes’s attitude to the book, though: George Eliot greatly admired Charlotte Bronte, & said of VILLETTE, her favourite, that it is ‘a still more wonderful book than JANE EYRE...There is something almost preternatural in its power’; & Lewes in a letter to Elizabeth Gaskell spoke of the ‘the wild splendour and power’ of WH. I always enjoy your posts greatly, though! Thanks 🙏

[@nedmerrill5705]

(CAUTION: Spoilers here) I just finished my finished my first read of WH. My first tip is to draw the family tree from Nelly's description. _Wuthering Heights_ has been dramatized many times; the problem is that there are _no sympathetic characters._ I roll my eyes and scoff at attempts to make Heathcliff some kind of romantic character (Laurence Olivier?); Heathcliff is a perfect monster. Heathcliff has more in common with Jack the Ripper than Lord Byron. Catherine number one is a perfect bitch. Catherine number two starts out little better in her behavior towards her cousin. The best character is Nelly, but after all she is telling the tale. Little is known about Emily Bronte's short life. And what is known is subject to distortion. I think we can surmise more about her life from the reading of _Wuthering Heights_ than from any first hand account. It is evident she harbored a dissatisfied ill-will towards the circumstances of her life to write such a book. I think of Todd Rundgren's song _Black Maria._ To write about Heathcliff in such a vivid and realistic manner she must have felt his pain and bitterness as he would have felt it. As I have felt it myself. Bitterness unto death. There is no saving a person once he falls into that black hole of bitterness. I enjoyed the novel. It has the most perfectly nasty insults and comebacks of any book I've ever read, and I include Mickey Spillane's books and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in that comparison, so that is saying something.

[@Danlovar]

The proper way to enjoy Bronte is to read Wuthering Heights and then read some of her poems, or vice versa.

[@user-wm2fv3sp3x]

I just came across your video on Wuthering Heights, and as usual, you gave thoughtful and insightful comments, and your enthusiasm was contagious. I first read WH in my teens, I found the book subversive and immoral, which was not surprising, for I had a very conservative and Catholic upbringing. I absolutely hated Heathcliff. To me, he was so violent and cruel and really destructive and scary. Now I am older and have some experience of life, I look at Heathcliff and WH with more understanding and appreciation. Now, I am aware of how sociopath is made resulted from child abuse, and Heathcliff suffered unspeakable cruelty and violence in his childhood. I have a lot of empathy for him, but I wouldn't want to be in his company if he was a real-life person. The contradiction is that I find myself rivated to any scenes whenever he is present, and I actually anticipate his every reappearance in the novel. I think it is so true for you to say he is the embodiment of the shadow side of us, the animalistic and destructive nature in the most extreme form that we scare to acknowledge. Emily Bronte certainly pushes us readers to the edge of the abyss. I will remember your pointer to see Heathcliff as the Byronic anti-hero when I re-read WH again. What between Catherine and Heathcliff I wouldn't call love. It is more like an obsession, possessive, all-consuming, and self-destructive. It is interesting that you point out Emily Bronte's view of men into two different kinds. Either soft and sensitive to the point of being a weakling, you wouldn't respect or wild and destructive dominating masculinity to the extreme. Frankly, neither of them are appealing to me. The timeline and similar names do present difficulty for me. But like you, I love the quote 'difficulty generates meaning'. Wuthering Heights does really have a threatening and destructive energy, and perhaps it is exactly that that draws me towards the novel. It is a love-hate relationship for me. I certainly agree that Wuthering Heights is a unique novel and truly masterpiece, and it is definitely very rewarding to read it many, many times throughout one's life. Emily and Charlotte Bronte are so modern, intelligent, and courageous and ahead of their times. Love Jane Eyre, too.

[@OlgaRykov]

30:40 I think more people WOULD "enjoy it" if it was more straightforward. Which isn't necessarily of benefit. It might make it more popular, as in more of population would partake in it, but it would make it less meaningful and pleasurable to those, who are capable of experiencing that pleasure derived from journeying into the depths of the novel and solving its puzzles.

[@nabilahalshari7880]

I always approach classic literary fiction with with a healthy dose of skepticism because chances are they might not be for me. Previously I read Sons and Lovers, which didn't leave much of an impression on me. Happy to say that that is not the case for Wuthering Heights. I've seen people say that this book is slow and that cannot be further from the truth for me, it is so up my alley that I'm not sure if I have a problem. Instead of dark romance could we bring back gothic novels please?

[@elichaitman3294]

Wuthering Heights Pros and Cons: Pros: Possibly the greatest book I've ever read Cons: Made me hate humanity

[@DanielLopez-zt4ig]

I am spanish and reading this right now in english, and just read three chapters of pride and prejudice and austen is much easier than bronte, WH has kind of a serpentine narrative style but the appearance of a perfectly structured story.

[@susprime7018]

Thank you. Resolved, I will finally forgive Heathcliff, he can't help it, he was written that way.

[@kevinrussell1144]

This is the most astute review of WH I've seen, and you ALMOST make me want to give it another try. The contrast between the civil man and man the animal as the core of the book was VERY well explained. Perhaps my judgement has been hasty. I've tried on three or four occasions to read WH, but the story is so sordid and the characters unlikeable that I never managed to get very far into it. Just who WERE these strange young women living in this wind swept, acidic and toxic landscape who could produce these strange novels (of which WH is THE strangest)? It appears you "get" them. I fear I don't have enough insight or tolerance to follow your lead, but you never know. The NEXT time I pick up the book may be THE time. As a geologist, I always wanted to see this part of England, although Yorkshire is not as famous (in this regard) as Scotland, the White Cliffs, the west counties /Cornwall, or the Lake district. Who knows what strange things might happen, especially if one were actually to walk, in the footsteps of the Brontes, through and over those somber hills, under always leaden skies?

[@joysedgwick812]

My Kindle tells me that I made it through 71% of this novel after giving up many times before. After listening to this interesting video I am going to try again (from the beginning as I became lost in the repeated names) I suspect it may be necessary to buy a hard copy. As a feminist I found Heathcliff difficult to take, but I feel at home on the brooding Yorkshire Moors and am frustrated by my ambivalence to this classic novel.

[@wesleyyoung4063]

What is the source of that painting at 00:07?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That’s by Robert McGinnis 1926 - haunting, isn’t it?

[@wesleyyoung4063]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy And how :)

[@dostoevsky6046]

You are very cool

[@user-lo2vr7fe1m]

Эмили. Какое одиночество и какие бури внутри.

[@dennisjohnson8967]

I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t their own worst enemy

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Very profound!

[@missioncardiac7599]

Hmm. You've inspired me to read this again (after 5 decades!). The dld movie screen shot was larry Olivier with Merle Oberon, not Vivien Leigh, (a terrible film in my opinion)

[@missioncardiac7599]

old

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice catch, and nice history of film knowledge! My editor needs to watch more old school movies. I agree with you on it not being a great film!

[@christinecallahan5512]

How can you say something like that, shame on you.......

[@LAVIV007]

I've read most of the common "classics" when a teenager yet it seemed I always skipped Wuthering Heights. If I run out of books, I would always return to reread Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. Then, Sci=fi and Fantastic literature took hold of my reading leisure, later it was horror with King. Only about a year ago, I got myself a fancy edition of Wuthering Heights and delved into it enthusiastically. Halfway through, disappointment spread through my mind. Wuthering Heights is surely not the best classic ever written, not second best either and, in my opinion it is left far behind the other Brontes' classics , Dickens, Austin, and the Dumas father and son. I felt as if I was reading a draft of something much bigger which has never materialized.

[@carollund8251]

Strange Agnes Grey wasn't appreciated , I love it.

[@jessicanorman6502]

I wonder if the repetition of names suggests something to do with the idea of being trapped, or more specifically trapped in hell. Is Catherine just doomed to repeat her mistakes of marrying wrong over and over again? I don’t think we ever find out the name of Catherine’s mother at the start but it is likely she is called Catherine too. Maybe Brontë was suggesting something about history repeating itself. This is a half fleshed out idea but I’d be interested in others’ 30:51 opinions?

[@maiko4130]

I was thinking the similar thing. The names I thought symbolize the repetition of the history, being trapped in a cycle. But then, the forgiving scene between Heraton and Cathy give me some hope at the end. So did they come out of the vicious cycle? Powerful, unforgettable story!

[@colonialgal1750]

Favourite screen Heathcliff?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Difficult question. Ralph Fiennes is great. Tom Hardy does a great job too. I love Laurence Olivier in most things, but wasn't personally affected by his version.

[@tamarabedic9601]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy The 1939 version best shows how increasingly trapped Cathy is by social convention. Every idea is her's (Lets go there, let's play this, pretend this... until: "run away, Heathcliff; bring me the World"). In 1939, Cathy's the instigator. But as she grows, her ambitions are narrowed by social conventions. And she must stifle herself, increasingly relying on and living through the actions of men. No version shows this so plainly and so painfully.

[@user-wm2fv3sp3x]

​@@BenjaminMcEvoy I agree with you. Ralph Fiennes is really great.

[@ZadenZane]

I'm not sure the "love" between Heathcliff and Cathy is "eros" it's more brother and sister love, philadelphia or whatever they call it; that's how I see it. As for Heathcliff being irrepressibly "wild" he actually gets more civilised as the book goes on. While dissolute Hindley falls apart and drinks himself to death, Heathcliff remains sober and becomes landlord of all. By the end he's no longer "wild", just cantankerous and surly. And smug. And he is civilised. Lockwood describes him as a gentleman! Cathy, on the other hand, marries the supremely civilised Edgar Linton but her wildness breaks out in the form of brain fever and she dies young. Heathcliff lives to an old age by the standards of his day. He stands by as Hindley drinks himself to the grave. It's Hindley who gets consumed by his passions, while Heathcliff goes a long way to mastering his. That's my 2p worth!

[@crystalharris7394]

💗💗💗

[@carollund8251]

The only problem I had with the book is some long parts in dialect which are totally incomprehensible.

[@jackcooper3307]

Not sure there’s a better English novel than Wuthering Heights

[@bad-girlbex3791]

Sarah Ellis and her 'Conduct Manual' sound pretty based, TBH.

[@Ketutar]

I read it a couple of years ago for the first time. In English, which is not my first language. I find it boring and stupid. Which is why I want to reread it, to see what I'm missing. 😀

[@debraschnitzer8802]

Another booktuber seemed to think Heathcliff was black. What ethnicity do you think he was.

[@kathy2539]

I saw the film's of Wuthering Heights but this novel is so depressing! And the characters-none of them are likeable! I'm afraid to read the novel because of my own dislike of the dark, depressing film/s with unlikeable, abusive characters.

[@teddyknight4762]

So glad I found you. I need some brain

[@Theofficialfanboy1492]

Did anyone think about when Phoebe and Rachel read Wuthering Heights? 🤣

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Love that episode! Wouldn't it be so fun to attend a Literature class with Phoebe? Perhaps less so with Rachel or Monica..😂

[@DenkyManner]

Here's my tip: audiobook played at x1.5 speed, ten minutes a day. Any longer is undoable as it genuinely one of the worst books I've ever had to endure. I dread going back to it and frequently don't. it is putting me off reading in general.

[@kimberlylambert1604]

I’ve always thought WH was the ultimate horror story . It does contain a secondary love story. (A love that is questionable. ) You have two horrible, selfish, self possessed characters and their only redeeming quality is their love for one another. Poetic…

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I love that, Kimberly!! That's so true :)

[@juliacorrea7549]

I don't understand how anyone can like that book. It is so convoluted, the writer doesn't explain things as she should... For example, only halfway in the book is it releaved that Catherine has been pregnant this whole time! How can you simply fail to mention a gigantic pregnant belly while describing the appearance of Catherine while you are about to give her Heathcliff's letter, Nelly Dean? Not only that, you have to understand for yourself that multiple characters have the same name, and it's not explained how, why, or the difference between them. My God. I simply don't understand. I hate it.

[@ya_boi_chrish]

Interesting input. For me, the fact that the pregnancy wasn't dwelled on enhanced the idea of Heathcliff's ardor for Catherine, and the fact that he didn't care - he had to have her in the end. Yum.

[@jenniferh9630]

Ah, but there's the rub. We learn details as Nelly chooses to share them. Consider that she may be an unreliable narrator. Midway through my reading (which, incidentally, was a second attempt because I could not get into the book the first time), I read someone's claim that Nelly is the villain of the story. This was intriguing and made me more closely examine why she shares what she does.

[@knicklas48]

H. is just the sort of character you describe. For me, very unpleasant and, having finished this book, I can't imagine ever wanting to read it again.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

You should be telling people how to physically read ANY book these days. The state of the English language is at the lowest point in its history for a long, long time. Audiobook narrators whose pronounciation is So bad, its blatantly obvious they havent read anything more taxing than food packaging, and have NEVER even heard of, let alone used, a dictionary, or, God Forbid, a thesaurus in their whole lives. Normally I find videos with names like your one here, provoking and insulting, but, you go on doing what you do, as youre obviously in the minority who can actually read!

[@orthobro7956]

Wuthering Heights is a 19th century soap opera if there ever was one. What makes the tale so distasteful isn't how spiteful, passionate, and irrational the characters are to one another, but that a story full of undignified and unredeemable characters can be wrapped in some of the highest English prose available. It's jarring. This has the unfortunate effect of coming across too seriously, like a soap opera (even if it wasn't Brontes intent), and as a result the story spoils the Real for overstated and overdone performances.

[@TheSandi103]

Wuthering Heights is one of those books I cannot understand why it is conisdered a classic (The other is Great Expectations). Perhaps during it's time, with a romance ending in tragedy, it might have been something so new as to be amazing, but I find it odious and frankly boring.

[@janetdidonato9963]

I just read some of the comments from the peanut gallery. Poor you to be in the position of tossing your pearls before swine. Everybody gets to be a critic these days, unfortunately. The Dunning-Kruger effect on full display.