Wuthering Heights Guide ¦ Summary & Biography of Emily Bronté ¦ Ep.1

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

What are your thoughts on this classic?

[@bad-girlbex3791]

The first time I read this (or tried to) I was a teenager expecting a terrifying tale of horror, but my desire for schlock-shocker violence was so dissatisfied with this book, I wrote it off as a boring let-down. The second time I attempted to read it was the time I left a review for it on here: that was right after having been immersed in Nabokov and David Foster Wallace and my brain simply hadn't been in the right mood to appreciate it. Trying to listen to half of it via audio book didn't help either; especially with the thick 19th Century rural Yorkshire dialect of Joseph. Already knowing how the tale played out also meant it just felt like I was reading through treacle in order to cross the finishing line. I didn't give a fair or reasonable review. This time however, I went into 'Wuthering Heights' far better prepared than I had prior to my previous attempts. I had bought a copy of the Penguin Classics edition (which helpfully contains translation notes in the back to enable the Yorkshire parlance to make sense) and I jumped immediately into reading it, after having completed yet another re-read of 'Jane Eyre' which is one of my lifelong favourite titles. Already being in the early Victorian writing mindset, coupled with a good edition providing help with translation, meant that this time I settled into the windswept world of 'Wuthering Heights' with an enthusiastic, avid alacrity. This time the characters really came to life, jumped off the page, and felt fully realised. The reading now felt wonderfully descriptive: Romantic in style (if not romantic in the modern sense of the word) and whilst it was filled with unlikable characters, not all of them felt irredeemable. Heathcliff for example garnered far more empathy and sympathy from me than those whose pampered existences he had been plunged alongside. With almost everyone treating him like a leper from day one, by dint of his social standing...or lack thereof. I almost feel as though many of those whom he got back at, deserved his wrath and unchecked ire. Those younger and more innocent characters who come along later, perhaps not so much. But as the old phrase goes: _"Hurt people', hurt people."_ And that to me was the greatest takeaway from the novel. We may be imbued from birth with certain immutable characteristic and traits that will play a part in shaping who we are, but we are also the products of our raising and our environments. How then was the ignoble orphan - thrust into the claustrophobic confines of two houses up on the moors, and treated by many like some form of vermin - expected to turn out any differently than Heathcliff inevitability did? Those raised to higher-born statuses and positions of social rank; those steeped in more sophisticated tastes and imbued with more genteel sensibilities and manners, SHOULD have been brought up to know better and known the importance of tempering their behaviours with a more civilised, charitable conduct and grace. But if Emily Brontë showed anything with this thoroughly engaging book (which was quite a shocker back when it was first published) it was that no matter our breeding, we are all base beasts of the same species; only some of us are better able to cloak our wretched souls in the superficial trappings that onlookers (often mistakenly) perceive to be indicative of virtue. Now though, having read and truly been able to appreciate how whip-smart, well observed and great 'Wuthering Heights' truly is, I am fain to have once again returned to the book, only better prepared (with a good/helpful edition) and already happily ensconced in Brontë-land (thanks to 'Jane Eyre') with my frame of mind already steeped in the stylings of Victorian literature. This time around I have awarded it a solid 4 stars, and I know I will re-read it again in future. Books often need to come along and share their wit & wisdom with us, at a time when we are best prepared to read them. I buy books faster than I can read them (tsundoku is abundant throughout my house) but it just means that I know I'll have exactly the right book ready to hand, the moment the time is right for me to most benefit from its contents. I'm just really glad that 'Wuthering Heights' registered so deeply with me on that last/most recent attempt. (Third time's the charm, as they say.) I'm now planning to apply this same mindset to a few other books I have previously failed to click with, in hopes of having them also open up their treasures to me, in subsequent re-reads of their texts. And if anyone else reads this, knowing that they too have a handful of books they have been hitherto incapable of connecting with, or mining any magic from, maybe give them one last _"good old college try"_. Find copies like the Penguin Classics editions (which come complete with interesting introductions, are prefaced with extraneous peripheral information, include biographies, and noted paginations that take the reader to glossaries of terms and translated dialects) rather than opting for a prettier bound edition with fewer added helpful features. For your first proper read go with function over style; you can always get a fancier second copy later, should you fall in love with said book and know that you are going to re-read it time and again in future. (It's also less daunting to pencil in marginalia when using the kind of editions that are used for students to take notes in, whilst studying a text.) And just do everything you can to help you to more easily immerse yourself in the book in question. I know many readers/critics rail against "mood reading"; but when your wish is to tackle books of some greater import - of the 'Classics Canon' - and to feel like you didn't merely understand or appreciate the writing, but actually enjoyed the tales within, then finding little ways to achieve this will make all the difference. Novels are meant to be enjoyed as much as they are designed to educate or inform the reader. So do yourself a favour and make it so that you are in the best possible frame of mind to enjoy whatever it is that you wish to read. I'm now just sad to know that there were no other novels penned by Emily Brontë. But I do at least have a few other titles written by her sisters Charlotte and Anne that I am now very much looking forward to reading. Bex

[@diguification]

Today I'm about to introduce this novel to my undergrad students in a nondescript college in West Bengal India, and I can't but marvel at how not only great works of art and literature, but even the 'impressions' they leave can annex people across vast expanses of time and space! I'll share your experience with this text with my students, hoping they derive something meaningful from this and apply the 'learning'.

[@romanisayev4826]

Emily Bronte used English incredibly, amazing, I think there are two great jobs in Wuthering Heights, first novel, second English. I loved English more than before as English student, when I read Wuthering Heights.

[@iestynovich]

'People catching sudden deaths...' you have GENIUS! The biographical section was insightful and very moving. So looking forward to the rest of the series. That quote of Emily's: 'I wish to be as God made me...' I'm hoping you'll do some Hardy like this? Maybe The Return of the Native...

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Hardy could be good! I'll be working on another series which (hopefully) will come out once the Wuthering Heights series is completed. :)

[@lazarapirez5080]

Just found your channel and I am obsessed with it.

[@emmawills4112]

My favourite book! :) It made me really start to love reading

[@lisellesloan3191]

Very enjoyable and informative! I would love it if you discussed Welsh Brunty, Branwell, and Emily herself more as possible inspirations for this book. In the "Walk Invisible" movie, a local story is mentioned, as well. I wonder if Emily had crushes or unrequited love for anyone, and if this might have partially inspired her novel.

[@prochiturel3541]

Thank you for explaining the summary so well ❤️‍🩹

[@abc_13579]

At 18:20 you said that Cathy is “only allowed to leave once, just once” when she goes to see her dying father. Could there be different versions of this book? In my version, she escapes from Wuthering Heights with Linton's help.

[@abc_13579]

Cathy was able to see her dying father because she escaped from Wuthering Heights. Linton helped her get out.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

@@abc_13579 Just rewatched the clip, yes you are right. By "allowed to leave" I meant to say that she is permitted by her husband, who is now Linton, to leave. As wife of Linton, Cathy is beholden to him and so it is his allowing her to escape that means she can see her father.

[@abc_13579]

@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall I get it now. I don't think Cathy felt obligated to listen to her husband's wishes on things -especially on something as important as visiting her dying father. That's why when you said that she was only allowed to leave once to do so, it sounded to me like you were saying that Heathcliff only let her leave one time.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

@@abc_13579 My wording ambiguous so it's a fair point :)

[@nola3963]

My all time favorite classic 🥺

[@eg_13khunshabatool21]

Great video 💥Thanks alot

[@sandy23stories40]

Great video. Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite novels.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Mine too! :)

[@4thlinemaniac356]

@Intelligence Squared channel the Bronte vs Austen debate with Live scenes played by real stars.

[@roryhoon7383]

Fab synopsis of a fab book! One of ma faves! :D

[@philipswain4122]

A wonderful summary. Many thanks for posting

[@polarispyxis3136]

This was incredible! thank you.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

You're very welcome! :)

[@adamyouker6449]

How I love this book!

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

It is a classic!

[@Meckendorf]

Great talk. But am I the only one who finds the background music a distraction?

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

I'm with you, I got rid of it in later videos! :P

[@ackermangirl9278]

you have such a beautiful collection of books!

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Thank you! :)

[@pageturner242]

i love this!!

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Thank you very much! :)

[@abc_13579]

At 17:48, you said Heathcliff "starts to turn Linton against Cathy secretly" because she stopped writing to Linton. Where do you see that? It doesn't even make sense since Heathcliff wants Linton to marry her.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

In chapter 28, Linton brags to Nelly about how he will now control all of Cathy's wealth and property now they are married. It is clear that Heathcliff poisons Linton about Cathy behind the scenes, and encourages him to marry Cathy yes, not out of love, but out of revenge. This is implied in the conversation Linton has with Nelly after they are married where he says "Papa... says I'm not to be soft with Catherine: she's my wife, and it's shameful that she should wish to leave me! He says, she hates me, and wants me to die, that she may have my money; but she shan't have it: and she shan't go home! She never shall! - she may cry, and be sick as much as she pleases!" (Chapter 28).

[@abc_13579]

@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Yes, but this is after they were already married. It was then that Heathcliff began to brainwash Linton in this way, not when Cathy stopped writing to him.

[@Aurla-R2-D2]

Excellent video! I'm looking skyward to watching all of your Wuthering Heights videos :) What is your accent? Is it Yorkshire or am I just thinking that because you're talking about Wuthering Heights? ;) All best wishes from Brighton ^_^

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Glad you enjoyed the video, and hope you enjoy the series. And yes, I have a northern accent haha

[@Aurla-R2-D2]

@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall ~ I adored your wonderful series analysing Wuthering Heights! :) Also, your accent is ace ^_^ Wishing you a fantastic New Year!

[@abc_13579]

At 17:22, you said Edgar allows Heathcliff to take Linton because Edgar is "an ass." Don't you think you're being a bit harsh on Edgar here? Do you really think Edgar had a chance of legally blocking Heathcliff from taking custody of his own son?

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

@@abc_13579 I think the fact that he didn't even try, even with the odds against him, is morally criticisable, given what he knows. Sometimes morality is a hard task mistress. That's my austere view in any case. :)

[@abc_13579]

I have two problems with this book: Parts of the plot are unrealistic, and the only likable character-Nelly-gives unethical advice that goes unchallenged. What I found unrealistic is: * Hindley agrees to allow Heathcliff to return to live with him three years after Heathcliff's departure. Hindley hated Heathcliff passionately; why would he agree to let him come back? Bronte does not explain. * Heathcliff tells Nelly his plan to get Linton to marry Catherine so that he can eventually inherit Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff is neither stupid nor talkative; it is unrealistic for his character to reveal his master plan to Edgar's main servant. * Linton helps Cathy escape so she can see her dying father. All Linton cared about was himself; he completely lacked compassion, and he was petrified of his violent father. It was out of character for Bronte to have him suddenly do that. * Morally, Nelly's words at the bottom of page 242 repulsed me. She rebukes Catherine for being cruel to Hareton, telling her that since he's her cousin, she shouldn't talk to him that way. Nelly’s rebuke implies that being cruel to others is only immoral when done to a relative. I find this attitude repulsive.

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

To your thoughts here, I think on Hindley, it's possible that Hindley wants to lord it over Heathcliff; being the master of the house, and having Heathcliff there as a guest. Also, it's implied (if I remember) that the two of them start gambling together, and this goes badly for Hindley. Fair enough on Heathcliff telling Nelly his master plan, although the prideful villain revealing their plans when they shouldn't is a classic trope in fiction of all ages. It's a dumb thing, but pride can make people do dumb things. I'd have to read the part about Linton helping Cathy to escape to fully respond here (it's been a while). That said, I think that Linton is a narcissist, and would like the idea of doing something like this for Cathy, not out of the goodness of his heart, but so that she owes him her gratitude, which he can use to manipulate and control her further. I think you might be missing Nelly's point there. It's a common phrase "Don't talk to your XXX like that" where XXX can stand for any kind of friend, relations, or otherwise. It doesn't necessarily imply that it is "only" wrong because they are a relative, but it might be "especially" wrong, due to the closeness of a relationship. For example, it is wrong to say "I wish you didn't exist" to any person, but it is probably worse to say it to your own child, due to the special nature of that relationship. I think this is what Nelly means by this phrase. Thanks for your thoughts! :)

[@abc_13579]

@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate what you wrote about the first two points I mentioned-Hindley letting Heathcliff come back and Heathcliff revealing his master plan to Nelly. These elements of the novel now sit better with me. Thank you. What you wrote regarding my comment about Linton does not satisfy me, though. He lived in mortal fear of Heathcliff. I find it hard to believe he would participate in Cathy's escape plan because he wanted to use it to manipulate her later. As to what Nelly said, I think you're right. I had read too much into her words. Thanks. :)

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Thanks for synopsis. I won't ever read it - depressing & violent

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Haha fair enough.

[@melaniew4354]

Count me among those who don't like Wuthering Heights. Cathy and Heathcliff would be an episode of Dateline today.

[@MinecraftxLarx]

Great stuff! Everyone subscribe to this wonderful man.

[@ademcanvaner2567]

I am looking forward to reading this one. The movie is good, but I read that they changed some things. If you like Wuthering Heights that much, maybe you might like to hear the song, "Heathcliff", by Diva Destruction. 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJTMnWZqrL-Vbck

[@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall]

Yeah, I'll actually be talking about the differences between the books and films in a future episode... (shameless plug I know :P ) Also, that's a nice song. I'm a sucker for goth music, thanks!

[@ademcanvaner2567]

@@JoshuaJClarkeKelsall I'm looking forward to it! I discovered your channel recently, and I've been enjoying it thus far. Also, thank you; I look forward to enjoying 'Dorian Gray (regarding the other comment). Well, there wouldn't be goth music without gothic film and literature. That's how many of us discover the literature, through the songs and albums. 😉🦇🦇