Topic > The issue of social class and race in "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte

In the literary work Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë, there is a clear conflict within the issues of social class, race and love between the characters. In a society where money and power are necessary for success, Heathcliff, a poor, dark-skinned orphan, felt it was his responsibility to move up the social hierarchy to become suitable for Catherine Earnshaw. When Catherine preferred to marry Edgar solely because of his status, Heathcliff retaliated by taking revenge on the Earnshaws and the Lintons. Heathcliff's actions were motivated by a need for status and the embarrassment resulting from Catherine's rejection. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In this fictional society, social class was one of the main themes developed throughout the story. Class was not based solely on the salary a person received, but rather on the source from which the income came and family ties. There is a clear distinction between characters who are part of the elite class, the middle class and the working class. The characters in Wuthering Heights clearly show class differences based on where they live. Thrusscross Grange, a comfortable and bright house was inhabited by the Lintons, an elite family who were at the top of the social hierarchy. There are stark contrasts with this house compared to the Earnshaw house where Heathcliff lived. The Earnshaws faced cruel weather conditions, such as cold and snow, proving their place in the working class. In fact, the word “wuthering” means “adverse weather conditions.” Heathcliff is greatly influenced by his position on the social spectrum and this is foreshadowed at the beginning of the novel to show Heathcliff's thought process in running away to make a name for himself. Heathcliff's revenge also stems from his childhood. The first paragraph of the novel illustrates Heathcliff's appearance. After being called evil, called “it,” and mistreated in the Earnshaw household because of the color of his skin, he was an outsider. He was constantly picked on by the rest of the people in the house, living a life full of constant abuse. Heathcliff's love for Catherine Earnshaw allowed him to endure Hindley's abuse, knowing that he would have a life with Catherine. There are numerous flashbacks from Nelly's narration in the novel that take us back to Heathcliff's childhood and show the severe mistreatment. However, when Catherine chooses to marry Edgar Linton, Heathcliff runs away for three years to make money and returns to the top of the social hierarchy. Heathcliff's obsession with revenge against Edgar far surpasses his love for Catherine and has ruined the lives of the people of Thrusscross Grange and the Earnshaws who did not accept him. In the end, everyone ends up unhappy because of Catherine's selfish decision to marry Edgar. Heathcliff marries Miss Isabella Linton out of spite and Edgar is heartbroken because his love is not eternal like that of Heathcliff and Catherine. The rest of the book describes the characters in a depressing tone and shows their inner suffering. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, there are several standards of the fictional Wuthering Heights society that influence the characters to make unwise and regretful decisions. A classic theme in Wuthering Heights is social class. Heathcliff started at the bottom of the social hierarchy and tried to prove to Catherine that he was good enough by becoming rich and important, a suitable man for a woman to marry. Heathcliff is strongly.