The LRB Podcast
Close Readings: ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë
Mar 26, 2025
Join Patricia Lockwood, a celebrated author and contributing editor, and David Trotter, an esteemed professor of English literature, as they delve into the haunting world of 'Wuthering Heights'. They explore Heathcliff's murky origins and Cathy’s ghostly presence, dissecting the novel's complex structure and rich language. The discussion touches on the animalistic behaviors of its characters, the Brontë sisters' collaborative writing, and the deep interplay of nature with human emotions. Their insights reveal why this 'amoral' tale continues to captivate audiences today.
32:02
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Quick takeaways
- Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights challenges societal norms by depicting a starkly amoral world driven by revenge and obsession.
- The novel's intricate narrative structure, with its multiple perspectives and non-linear storytelling, mirrors the emotional chaos of the characters' lives.
Deep dives
Historical Context of Wuthering Heights
The publication history of Wuthering Heights reveals the complex circumstances surrounding its release. Emily Bronte, alongside her sisters Charlotte and Anne, initially published their poetry under male pseudonyms due to societal expectations. Following a lukewarm reception to their poems, the sisters pivoted to fiction, leading to the eventual publication of their novels in 1847. Wuthering Heights emerged from a tumultuous family background, and its controversial themes reflect the Bronte sisters' struggles with identity and social acceptance.
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