Apologia

Classic novels are novels of literary significance that have withstood the test of time and remained popular years after their publication. Wuthering Heights was published in 1847 and is still to this day being read by an immense amount of readers from all over the globe. Wuthering Heights is known as the gothic tale of the encompassing and fervent, yet thwarted, love between Heathcliff and Catherine. Despite the reasons for which Wuthering Heights was not valued in its own time, it has now been recognized as a work of extraordinary talent, elegance, and genius. It is considered to be one of the greatest literary works of all time. 

            Emily Bronte (July 30 1818- December 19 1848) was an English novelist and poet. Emily’s older sister Charlotte (who is known for the famous literacy work Jane Eyre), her brother Branwell, her younger sister Anne, and her father Patrick were all poets and writers as well. In 1844, Emily began copying all her works of poetry into notebooks. After coming across a manuscript volume of Emily’s poems in 1845, Charlotte urged that these poems be published. She noticed that they were “not at all like the poetry women generally write…they had a peculiar music- wild, melancholy, and elevating”. After much debate, Emily’s poems, as well as Anne’s and Charlotte’s were published pseudonymously in 1846. Although almost a complete silence greeted this volume, the three sisters were set on the fact of publication and immediately began writing novels. Emily’s effort, Wuthering Heights was considered lesser work to the greatly acclaimed Jane Eyre by Charlotte. Wuthering Heights’ innovative structure puzzled critics. Emily’s name did not emerge until the second edition of her novel which appeared in 1850. It was only after Emily had passed that Wuthering Heights was beginning to be established as the undomesticated and singular work of genius that it is. Charlotte writes, “Stronger than a man, simpler than a child, her nature stood alone.”

            Wuthering Heights got a strong reaction from readers. This reaction was due partially to the novel’s forceful inspection of the human spirit. Readers were accustoming to novels that sought a realistic depiction of the moors and manners of the English upper classes. Wuthering Heights focused not so much on society but on the minds, hearts and souls of its members. It was met with mixed reviews by critics when it was first published mainly because the narrative's depiction of mental and physical cruelty; although there were also many critics that did indeed appreciate the force and imagination of the novel. An unidentified review considered it a “work of great ability” and that “it is not every day that so good a novel makes its appearance”.  Wuthering Heights opened up the doors to a new approach to literature which was soon recognized which fashioned praise towards the novel.

            There were many adaptations of this novel prepared because the praise and popularity that became of Wuthering Heights. The earliest known film adaptation of Wuthering Heights was filmed in England and directed by A.V. Bramble. The most famous adaptation was 1939's Wuthering Heights directed by William Wyler. This adaptation, like many others, eliminated the second generation's story (young Cathy, Linton and Hareton). The novel has been accepted in opera and theatre as well.

Wuthering Heights has greatly proved its significance to literature decade after decade. It caused a vast amount of controversy over critics and changed the views and opinions of readers of English literature. It is beyond doubt unique, influential and has a timeless appeal. There is no better way to describe Wuthering Heights than to say it is a true classic novel.