Wuthering Heights is a classic novel that will spur great discussion about the era of Romanticism. Teachers should provide an introduction to Romantic ideals so that students can identify elements of Romanticism throughout the novel. Teaching this novel is great opportunity to incorporate art and history as well by looking at Romantic paintings, Romantic philosophy, and the series of events that inspired the Romantic Movement. Some scholars see the Gothic movement as a subset of the Romantic Movement. Taking a look at the Gothic elements of Wuthering Heights will also help students understand the darker aspects of the novel.
Discussing the frame narrative, characterization, and other important literary techniques will help students interpret the novel. Brontë combines many literary elements in this novel to create a complex and vivid tale. A lesson on the techniques used will help students overcome some of the difficulties in comprehending the story, allowing them to focus on deciphering the 18th century language and analyzing the intricate characters.
Summary
Emily Brontë's only novel chronicles the life of Heathcliff from his childhood as an orphan to his death. The story unfolds through the accounts of Nelly, the housekeeper, as she informs Mr. Lockwood of Heathcliff's passionate love for Catherine and his desire to seek revenge on those who had wronged him in the past. The Linton's and Earnshaw's bloodlines become intertwined as Heathcliff carries out his revenge plot on the two families that ruined his life and prevented him from being with his beloved Catherine.