Wuthering Heights And Atonement

With close textual analysis of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and Atonement by Ian McEwan to what extent do the writers use their characters obsessive natures as the driving force of their fiction?

Throughout Wuthering Heights, Bronte demonstrates the theme of obsessive natures within love and relationships. This is especially presented through the character of Heathcliff-due to his desire for Catherine's love, 'wrenched open the lattice, bursting ... into an uncontrollable passion of tears'-chapter 3 page 21. Here the reader can get an insight into Heathcliff's wild and animalistic behaviour, which is presented through Bronte's use of powerful verbs. The word 'bursting' could indicate the passion and uncontrollable feelings he had towards
In the earlier stages of the novel, a simmering tension was built up between the pair, however their love was not as obvious as the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff's in Wuthering Heights. This was due to their feelings not being made apparent until Robbie was arrested and taken away to war. When the character of Robbie turner was first introduced, it is described that he Cecilia had a long-term relationship since the age of seven, this included attending Cambridge University together. 'Her childhood friend and university acquaintance'- chapter 2, page 19. By being referred to as a 'acquaintance', suggests a separation between the pair, possibly due to both being from different circles; because of a distinct separation in class. The divide in class possibly placed a barrier between Robbie and Cecilia, due to the fact that Robbie was the son of the Tallis charlady, whereas Cecilia was part of a privileged family. Which is perhaps why Cecilia repressed her feelings for Robbie, as the difference in class distanced them due to society's expectations, where lower and upper class people didn't mix. People of the 21st century would see things differently, often not letting the differences in background get between love. This can link towards Wuthering Heights, due to social class placing a separation between Heathcliff and Catherine. This separation in friendship may have also been built up from suppressed anger towards Robbie, due the fact that Cecilia's Father payed for his education, 'Since it would be Father who had to pay'- chapter 2, page 19. However, this frustration also seemed to stem from the unknown awkwardness between them, 'it bothered her that they were awkward when they talked'- chapter 2, page 22. Suggesting that she wished their relationship would develop further. Unbeknown to Cecilia this might have been the sexual tension between