Wuthering Heights - Binary Oppisotes

In Emily Brontë's only book Wuthering Heights, her descriptions of the two houses Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange create distinct atmospheres that mirror the actions of the inhabitants that reside within them. Although they lie within miles of each other, they are two very different places. Never have two more opposing places existed than Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights. Wuthering Heights is a representation of uncontrollable emotions, lack of discipline and chaos. Thrushcross Grange is a peaceful, beautiful abode which epitomizes all that is good and lovely. The houses differ greatly in appearance, location and landscape, and the feelings and actions of the inhabitants within reflect the residence in which they live.

The physical characteristics of each house are distinctly different. Wuthering Heights is typical of a gothic novel, while Thrushcross Grange can relate more to a fairytale mansion. Wuthering Heights is a very old, unkempt and unwelcoming residence with a very uncomfortable and uncivilized feel about the place. ‘No wonder the grass grows up between the flags, and the cattle are the only hedge cutters’. Brontë describes the building as a harsh, cold house where, “the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall and the corners defended with large jutting stones.” She depicts it as having a “pervading spirit of neglect,” being filled with un-cheerful things such as drab decor and cruel dogs. Although Wuthering Heights is battered and weather-beaten, it is sturdy and strong with an intimidating appearance but strong magnetism representing the savagery of the evil history that once took place there.

Wuthering Heights is nowhere as beautiful as Thrushcross Grange. Thrushcross Grange has lavish decorations and is very pleasing to the eye. It was built with aesthetic pleasures in mind, much unlike Wuthering Heights, which may once have been a beautiful estate, but those days have since been neglected and forgotten. Thrushcross Grange