Nature Imagery in Wuthering Heights - Essay Example

Characters played by Cathy and Heathcliff and key locations of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights depict frequent use of symbolism in the structure of themes and imagery in the novel. The whole novel fundamentally revolves around the thesis: How the use of nature imagery depicts the mutual existence of “good and evil” in relation to the key characters in the novel who become self aware of their feelings and bond.  Nature imagery depicts the contrast of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights: The central locations of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights signify the apparent contrast between them as the main action sites with the use of nature imagery.

The integral part of Wuthering Heights is apparent in the novel. Characters involved in the plot of novel are Lockwood, Nelly, Mr. Earnshaw, Hindley, Catherine, and Heathcliffe. The story begins with Lockwood renting a manor house called Thrushcross Grange. The manor house is owned by his landlord, Heathcliff. Nelly Dean, who happens to be Heathcliffe’s housekeeper, narrates the story of Heathcliff and the strange citizens of Wuthering Heights. . Also, Catherine chooses to marry Edgar because of the peace, calm and protection offered by the Thrushcross Grange Valley.

The similarity between Grange and heaven shows up when Catherine describes her experience with heaven in these words, “. heaven did not seem to be my home, and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath where I woke sobbing for joy” (Bronte 64). On the other hand, Wuthering Heights is described as a hell because of many similarities between the two. It is described as a dark place with dark complexioned and dark haired inhabitants.

Lockwood explains in the very beginning of the novel that Wuthering is “a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather"(Bronte 4). Furthermore, Lockwood describes Heathcliff as “a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman, that is, as much a gentleman as many a country squire” (Bronte 6).  Nature imagery depicts the depth of relationships: At their young age, Catherine and Heathcliff like each other and their relationship grows stronger with the passage of time.

The role of nature imagery in the lives of the main characters highlights the destructive power of love. Particularly, the character of Heathcliff represents the destructive power of love through the growing relationship of Catherine and Edgar. Catherine comes from Wuthering Height while Edgar belongs to Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff develops a strong sense of hatred towards Edgar Linton upon hearing the news of Catherine’s approval of Edgar’s proposal of marriage. Catherine made Heathcliff leave