Introduction to Non-African Poetry- - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Introduction of Non-African Prose - "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë:

"Wuthering Heights" is a classic novel written by English author Emily Brontë. Published in 1847 under the pseudonym "Ellis Bell," it is a dark and intense tale of love, revenge, and the destructive power of human passion. The novel has since become a literary masterpiece and a staple of English literature.

Background of the Novelist:
- Emily Brontë (1818-1848) was an English novelist and poet. She was one of the famous Brontë sisters, which included Charlotte and Anne, who all made significant contributions to English literature.
- Emily Brontë lived a relatively short life, and "Wuthering Heights" is her only novel. Her reclusive nature and vivid imagination contributed to the creation of this remarkable work of fiction.

Background and Setting of the Novel:
- "Wuthering Heights" is set in the moorland of Yorkshire, England. The novel unfolds in the early 19th century, primarily within two neighboring houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.
- Wuthering Heights is depicted as a dark, gloomy, and isolated farmhouse, symbolizing passion, cruelty, and untamed nature.
- Thrushcross Grange, in contrast, represents civilization, refinement, and social norms.
- The novel's setting amid the wild, desolate moors creates an atmosphere of isolation and desolation that mirrors the emotional turmoil of the characters.

Plot and Summary:
- "Wuthering Heights" is a multi-generational tale narrated by Mr. Lockwood, a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, who becomes intrigued by the mysterious events surrounding Wuthering Heights and its inhabitants.
- The novel revolves around the tragic love story of Heathcliff, an orphaned boy taken in by the Earnshaw family, and Catherine Earnshaw, the daughter of the house. Their passionate love is thwarted by social class differences and Catherine's decision to marry Edgar Linton, a wealthy neighbor.
- Heathcliff's enduring love for Catherine and his obsession with revenge on those who wronged him drive the narrative. He returns to Wuthering Heights as a wealthy and vengeful man, and his actions wreak havoc on the lives of the Earnshaw and Linton families.
- The novel explores themes of love, revenge, social class, and the destructive consequences of unchecked passion. It delves into the dark and complex nature of the human psyche.
- Through multiple narrators and flashbacks, Emily Brontë weaves a narrative that reveals the complexities of the characters and their motivations.
- The novel's intricate structure and gothic elements contribute to its enduring appeal and status as a literary classic.

In summary, "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë is a powerful and darkly passionate novel set in the wild moorlands of Yorkshire. It explores the destructive force of love and revenge through a cast of complex characters. The novel's gothic atmosphere, intricate narrative structure, and examination of human nature have made it a timeless work of literature.