Bronte's Introduction of Gothic Themes in the First Three Chapters of Wuthering Heights

Bronte’s Introduction of Gothic Themes in the First Three Chapters of ‘Wuthering Heights’

In the novel Wuthering Heights, it becomes apparent very quickly that Bronte intends it to fall into the Gothic literature genre. This is particularly reflected in her use of setting, her symbolic use and her imagery.
Firstly, the reader is introduced to the setting of the novel – the Yorkshire Dales. A typically cold, dark and dreary place; not to mention a setting that Bronte familiar with, becomes an ideal setting for a Gothic novel. She then describes Wuthering Heights itself, again with the negative connotations; “…I paused to admire a quantity of grotesque carving lavished over the front…” (Bronte[1847]2000:2) and her descriptions of the interior paint a dark and gloomy scene. It is also worth mentioning that the novel is set almost fifty years before it was written – which would indicate Bronte’s preference to become known as a Gothic writer rather than a Romantic writer, the latter of which would have been much more common during her lifetime.
Use of symbols is common in Gothic literature, and is certainly used in Wuthering Heights. Much of her symbols are linked with death, for example the many dogs in Wuthering Heights may represent Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld in Greek mythology. This gives the reader the idea that the building is similar to hell. Another archetypal trait in Gothic literature is when the author creates a scene that lacks light and that the protagonist cannot escape from, an example of which appears in Chapter Three when Mr Lockwood is forced to stay over at Wuthering Heights. The description of Mr Lockwood’s bed, “…singular sort of old-fashioned couch…it formed a little closet, and the ledge of a window, which it enclosed…” (Bronte[1847]2000:13) gives the impression it is very small and claustrophobic, much like a coffin. This has more of an obvious link with death, and continues to build upon Bronte’s ominous theme of darkness – the reader can see how this situation could quickly become distressing, much like is typical within Gothic literature. Bronte also uses various forms of imagery to demonstrate the gothic traits in her novel. In the first chapter, she uses personification to describe the vegetation surrounding Wuthering Heights, “…a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as if craving the alms of the sun.” (Bronte[1847]2000:2) She has used the word ‘limbs’ to help the reader to imagine the thorns to be reaching out to the sun for help to escape the grim surroundings, as a person may reach out for help to another. Another important example of imagery is during Mr Lockwood’s stay within the coffin-like bed space. The author creates various images that assist the reader in visualising the conjuring of a spirit; the supernatural being a staple part of the Gothic theme. It could be suggested that Mr Lockwood unintentionally conjured the spirit of Cathy through his behaviour inside the bed; and considering the combination of Mr Lockwood repeating Cathy’s names, the smell of calf skin making him aware of the diary and then what he reads inside the diary, the reader may be inclined to believe that.
In conclusion, it can be argued that Emily Bronte portrays many traits typical within Gothic literature in Wuthering Heights, from her distinctly Gothic setting to the feeling of suspense and mystery she creates, not forgetting her leading male character with a dark history.

Bronte, E. [1848] 2000, Wuthering Heights, Wordsworth Editions
Encyclopaedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/103227/Cerberus, Cerberus (2013)
Encyclopaedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508675/Romanticism, Romanticism (2013)
Smith, A. [2007] 2013 2edn, Gothic Literature, Edinburgh University Press