Wuthering Heights is the only novel by Emily Brontë. It was firstly published in 1847. The book touches upon several controversial issues and criticizes the British society of the time. Wuthering Heights consists of two stories, each consisting of seventeen chapters. The author uses a framing device – a story that surrounds the primary narrative and sets it up.
Detailed answer:
The first edition of Wuthering Heights was published in 1847. The book follows the story of two lovers Catherine and Heathcliff. Emily Brontë raises a lot of interesting questions in her novel. Over the years, the book has gained a lot of praise. However, it wasn’t that well-received at first. Wuthering Heights criticizes British society and questions Victorian ideas. The author explores the characters and their feelings freely.
Plotwise the novel itself can be divided into two parts. The first part ends with the death of Catherine and the birth of her daughter Cathy.
The first part of the novel consists of seventeen chapters. The Narrator, Mr. Lockwood, arrives at Thrushcross Grange in Yorkshire. He is there to visit his landlord, Heathcliff, who lives at farmhouse Wuthering Heights. During his stay there, he learns the love story of Catherine and Heathcliff. In this part, the reader learns about the childhood and the maturity of the two lovers. It is in chapter sixteen that Catherine dies and gives birth to Cathy.
The second part of Wuthering Heights is the story of Cathy and Hareton. Cathy resembles her mother a lot. Her relationships with Hareton resemble those of Heathcliff and Catherine. The daughter, however, escapes the tragic fate of her mother. The story ends well for the two young lovers. Eventually, they come to an understanding and resolve their conflict.
In her novel, Emily Brontë tells two similar yet different love stories. In 34 chapters, she raises many questions and keeps the reader engaged by using interesting narration techniques.