Wurthering Heights Post #8: Novel reflecting History

The novel Wurthering Heights by Emily Bronte reflects history rather accurately. In the time frame this book was written in, social class was very important. Who you married would determine your social status and other things. That is the reason that Catherine married Linton. She wanted to be accepted socially, so she married a wealthier and more respected man then Heathcliff. Heathcliff was lower class for a few reasons. He was an orphan, so he was not in complete relation to the Earnshaw, though most considered him to be. He was darker skinned. This was not completely approved of by others, so he was lower class to his peers. He was not properly educated in a few things. This lead to him being lower class as well. Catherine valued class so she did not marry Heathcliff though she loved him dearly.

There was more discrimination back then against women as well that was recognized by the author, as well. When Mr. Earnshaw died, Hindley inherited the estate because he was the oldest male child. When Hindley died, Heathcliff inherited it because women did not earn property in this time frame of the novel. They were not fit to earn it people thought. They also did not have the same education as men. They were taught manners and etiquette unlike men who learned school subjects.

Another social class issue was between servants and their boss. Heathcliff did not treat his staff in the best of ways. He grew very upset with Zillah at the start of the novel for not leading Mr. Lockwood to the right room. He treated her pretty badly. This was a small social issue not recognized too much in the novel.

Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2004. Print.