Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein Essay Example
Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein Essay Example

Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein Essay Example

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  • Pages: 12 (3079 words)
  • Published: March 18, 2019
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Theme of the divided self in "Wuthering Heights" and "Frankenstein"

Thematically, the divided self is a captivating element in both Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". This theme plays a crucial role in the characters' development or downfall in both novels. In exploring this theme, both authors focus on the physical, mental, or spiritual division within certain characters. Bronte's novel portrays Cathy and Heathcliff as individuals who require this division within themselves to understand their need for each other. Although they endure physical, mental, and spiritual division in life, they only truly unite in death. Unlike Cathy, who is initially depicted as undivided and belonging to a stable family unit, her sense of wholeness shatters with the arrival of a gypsy child.

While Heathcliff's arrival creates a divide within the family, Cathy finds a frien

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d in him whom she feels she has a strong connection with physically, spiritually, and mentally. This affinity between them becomes increasingly evident as the novel progresses. However, throughout the story, this alliance is frequently disrupted by external influences and factors. From the beginning, we are told that the worst thing that could happen to Cathy is being separated from Heathcliff. Therefore, their separation occurs solely because of their initial visit to Thrushcross Grange. The promise they made to grow up together like savages is shattered when they are physically separated due to various circumstances resulting from this visit.

The Linton's dog holding Cathy and the depiction of the Linton's house symbolically separate her from Heathcliff. This is shown when Heathcliff peers through the glass panes of their house to see Cathy after being forced out of Thrushcross Grange. Even when

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Cathy returns to Wuthering Heights, she is physically apart from Heathcliff. Instead of being the wild, hatless companion he shares a connection with, she now presents herself as dignified. So not only does appearance separate them, but as Heathcliff previously stated, Cathy's superiority to everyone, including him. The division between Cathy and Heathcliff is also evident in her actions and clothing. Despite Thrushcross Grange representing oppression and separation from Heathcliff, Cathy willingly accepts fine clothes and flattery from the Lintons, which further differentiates her from Heathcliff upon her return.

Upon her arrival, Cathy is visibly separated from others as she sits atop a stunning black pony. This distinction is reinforced when she refrains from touching the dogs, for fear that they might ruin her magnificent attire. Similarly, when Cathy reunites with Heathcliff, she eagerly embraces him but also worries about the state of her dress, fearing it may have been spoiled. Through Cathy and Heathcliff's marriages, Emily Bronte effectively portrays the physical manifestation of their divided selves.

Only when Cathy marries Edgar and Heathcliff marries Isabella, can the division within the self be truly observed. Throughout the novel, we witness how Heathcliff's absence profoundly impacts Catherine's deteriorating physical and mental well-being. The separation between them leads Catherine to no longer identify with her own reflection since Heathcliff embodied all that she represented. Do you not see that face? It was you, Mrs. Linton! You knew it some time ago. The relationship between male and female in Frankenstein is similarly susceptible to division.

While Cathy and Heathcliff rely on each other for survival, Frankenstein's relationship with Elizabeth cannot endure because the monster refuses to allow it. The monster's yearning

for a companion who is his equal mirrors Frankenstein's desire for happiness in his marriage to Elizabeth. Just as Elizabeth would perfect Frankenstein's weak and flawed character, the monster seeks a companion who can do the same for him. If Frankenstein were to marry Elizabeth, he could once again experience the innocence he lost when he created the abhorrent monster. This internal division within Frankenstein would continue until this union is achieved. However, since the monster is denied liberation from his misery, he destroys Frankenstein's chance at happiness by threatening him on his wedding night. Like the monster, Frankenstein suffers from a lack of companionship and faces a similar fate not caused by external forces like in Wuthering Heights, but rather due to his own actions.

Emily Bronte further explores the theme of Catherine's inner conflict through her residence in either Wuthering Heights or Thrushcross Grange. Both Heathcliff and Edgar symbolize extreme emotions experienced by Cathy at different points in the novel. These two characters represent contrasting households and have a noticeable impact on Cathy's character and future when she is confined within their respective environments. In a way, Cathy needs both of them to be whole. Without them, she cannot survive because Heathcliff symbolizes her true essence, being more herself than she is, and her longing for freedom to return to the hills with her childhood companion and rediscover what she had suppressed as a result of her first visit to Thrushcross Grange and her marriage to Edgar. However, despite being physically together, they are still portrayed as divided due to her higher social class.

Marrying Heathcliff would be beneath me. I will keep my love

for him a secret. The significance of social class is highlighted by Cathy's marriage to Edgar. Edgar embodies the established societal structure, the conventional and refined, which Cathy desires. Your love for Mr. Edgar stems from his good looks, wealth, and affection towards you.

She relies on his predictability in any situation that may arise. Although Catherine desires the passion presented by Heathcliff, she currently believes that Edgar's gentle love will save her. Because she cannot live in both environments, she feels restricted when she chooses Edgar as her husband and decides to move to Thrushcross Grange. Spiritually, Catherine needs Heathcliff because their souls are made of the same material. Without him, she sees herself as a mere shadow of her former self, longing to be a wild girl again. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the division between the two main characters, Frankenstein and the monster, subverts the theme of physical separation.

Mary Shelley explores the theme of unity by juxtaposing Frankenstein and the monster in the same chapter. She uses language to show how Frankenstein becomes part of his creation during its birth. Like Frankenstein, the monster experiences convulsions and agitated limbs as a result of Shelley's descriptive language. Through comparative language, Shelley presents both Frankenstein and the monster as one entity. Additionally, the syntax used in describing the monster's birth emphasizes this theme. Instead of using language to describe the parallel actions of Frankenstein and the monster, Shelley uses imagery to subvert the concept of a divided self. In Robert Walton's encounter with Frankenstein, Shelley reinforces the unity of both characters through visual representations.

Even though the reader is later informed that the traveller is Frankenstein, the

choice of imagery in describing him as an interesting creature only serves to strengthen how Frankenstein has become separated from humanity because of his unnatural creation. However, this particular image has a contradictory effect on Frankenstein's divided self. While one may perceive Frankenstein as divided, one can also perceive him as united with his creature. Just as he is depicted as gnashing his teeth, the monster later mirrors Frankenstein's actions by gnashing his teeth in impotent anger. Mary Shelley's use of language in relation to the theme of giving birth to a representation of oneself clearly illustrates the physical, mental, and spiritual void in both Frankenstein and his creation.

Just like how Cathy's emotions are suppressed within Wuthering Heights, so are Frankenstein's. The creature can symbolize the inner conflict within Frankenstein's subconscious, representing his primal nature. We are incomplete beings, only partially formed. As his creation has brought forth his alter ego, he is intimately connected with the monster's own spiritual essence.

Emily Bronte successfully presents the theme of the divided self, just like Mary Shelley does. Bronte's language portrays Cathy as having a conflicted self. When Bronte mentions that Cathy's mind wanders and her soul no longer stays within her, it indicates a divided self. Cathy sees her soul escaping from what she describes as a broken prison, which symbolizes the two households that have constrained her. However, this liberation also divides Cathy within herself, in her spirit, mind, and body.

The monster in Frankenstein experiences a spiritual division as well. He forms his understanding of life through personal experiences. By observing and assisting the cottagers, he naturally acquires a sense of humanity. However, this inherent goodness

is shattered when the cottagers reject him, leading to a profound bitterness. As a result, the monster learns how he will treat Frankenstein in return, permanently dividing his sense of humanity until his death.

The theme of the divided self is experienced by the protagonists in both novels. Cathy, Heathcliff, Frankenstein, and the monster are shown to be physically, spiritually, and mentally divided within themselves and with each other. Only in death do they find peace, leading the reader to contemplate the question of where one can find rest. The theme of the divided self is significant in both Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein and plays a crucial role in the characters' development or downfall. The authors focus on the physical, mental, or spiritual divisions within specific characters while exploring this theme.

In Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights, the characters Cathy and Heathcliff are portrayed as needing a division in themselves in order to recognize their need for each other. This division, which exists in their physical, mental, and spiritual lives while they are alive, only allows them to experience a complete unity within themselves in death. Initially, Cathy is not depicted as being divided; instead, she is shown as belonging to a family unit that remains intact until the arrival of a gypsy brat. Although Heathcliff's arrival creates a division within the family, Cathy gains a friend whom she feels connected to physically, spiritually, and mentally. This connection becomes increasingly apparent as the novel progresses. However, throughout the story, outside influences and factors frequently disturb this alliance. From the beginning, it is revealed that the worst punishment for Cathy would be separation from Heathcliff.

Cathy and Heathcliff's separation

is a result of their initial visit to Thrushcross Grange. The promise they made to grow up together as "rude as savages" is broken when they are physically separated due to various factors stemming from this visit. The Lintons' dog holds Cathy, symbolizing how the Lintons' house separates her from Heathcliff. Heathcliff resorts to peering through the glass panes of the Lintons' house to catch a glimpse of Cathy, after being forcefully removed from Thrushcross Grange. Even when Cathy returns to Wuthering Heights, she remains physically separated from Heathcliff. Instead of the wild, hatless little savage that Heathcliff shares a connection with, she returns as a dignified individual.

Heathcliff and Cathy are now physically separated, not just by their appearance but also by Cathy's own belief of her superiority to everyone, including Heathcliff, as stated in the previous chapter. This physical division between Heathcliff and Cathy is evident not only in the contrasting households they reside in, but also through Cathy's actions and clothing. While Thrushcross Grange symbolizes the repression of Cathy and the separation from Heathcliff, Cathy is shown to readily accept fine clothes and flattery from the Lintons, which further distinguishes her from Heathcliff upon her return. Upon her arrival, she is immediately portrayed as separate when she sits above others on a beautiful black pony. This separation is further emphasized when Cathy refrains from touching the dogs, as she fears they may fawn over her splendid garments despite her joy in returning.

In a similar vein, when Cathy encounters Heathcliff, she eagerly runs to embrace him but also anxiously gazes at her dress, worried that it might have become adorned. Emily Bronte effectively

portrays the physical manifestation of the divided self through the marriages of Cathy and Heathcliff. It is only when Cathy marries Edgar and Heathcliff marries Isabella that the true division within their selves becomes apparent. As evidenced throughout the novel, Heathcliff's absence has a significant impact on the gradual decline of Catherine's physical and mental well-being. Their separation leads Catherine to no longer recognize herself in the reflection, as Heathcliff embodied everything she represented.

Do you not see that face? It was yourself, Mrs. Linton. You recognized it some time ago. The relationship between male and female in the novel Frankenstein also experiences division. While Cathy and Heathcliff rely on each other to be whole, Frankenstein's relationship with Elizabeth cannot endure because the monster prevents it, as Frankenstein refuses to create a female companion for the monster. Just as Frankenstein hopes for happiness through his marriage to Elizabeth, the monster also desires a companion who is equal to him and would perfect his flawed nature, just as Elizabeth would do for Frankenstein. Frankenstein's marriage to Elizabeth would allow him to regain his lost innocence, which was forfeited due to the creation of his detested monster. Thus, an internal division exists within Frankenstein until this union takes place.

The monster's inability to escape suffering leads to his destruction of his creator's opportunity. "I shall be with you on your wedding night." Similarly, the monster's isolation causes his creator to experience a similar fate, not caused by external influences like in Wuthering Heights, but as a result of his own actions. Emily Bronte further explores division in Catherine's life through her residency in either Wuthering Heights or Thrushcross Grange.

Heathcliff and Edgar epitomize the intense emotions Cathy experiences in different sections of the book.

Both the differing households symbolize and have an impact on Cathy's character and future. She needs both Edgar and Heathcliff in order to be whole. Without them, she cannot survive. Heathcliff represents her true self and her desire for freedom, while Edgar represents the social class and marriage that she is tempted by. Despite being physically together, Cathy's social superiority creates a division between her and Heathcliff. The significance of social class is emphasized through Cathy's marriage to Edgar.

Edgar embodies the societal order, the conventional and refined aspects that Cathy aspires to possess. She is infatuated with Mr. Edgar because of his attractiveness, wealth, and affection for her. Cathy is aware that she can trust in his predictability no matter the circumstances. Despite yearning for the passion Heathcliff offers, Catherine currently believes that Edgar's submissive love will rescue her. As she cannot thrive in both worlds, she ultimately feels confined when she selects Edgar as her spouse and decides to reside at Thrushcross Grange. This is because spiritually Cathy is portrayed as requiring Heathcliff, as their souls are intertwined in an inexplicable manner.

Catherine sees herself as a mere shadow of her former self, longing to be a girl again, half savage. Within Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the division between the two main characters, Frankenstein and the monster, subverts the theme of physical separation. Shelley portrays this theme through juxtaposition in describing both Frankenstein and the monster convulsing in the same chapter. Linguistically, she portrays Frankenstein as becoming part of his creation at its moment of birth. Just as Frankenstein describes how every

limb convulsed during his fever, the monster similarly reflects, through Shelley's descriptive language, its convulsive motion and agitated limbs at its creation.

Mary Shelley uses comparative language and syntax within the description of the monster's birth to present Frankenstein and the monster as one. The theme of the divided self is subverted through the use of imagery rather than language. Instead of describing the actions of both Frankenstein and the monster as analogous through language, Mary Shelley reinforces their unity through imagery in Robert Walton's encounter with Frankenstein. Although the reader later discovers that the traveller is actually Frankenstein, the unique choice of imagery when describing him as an interesting creature highlights how Frankenstein has become separated from humanity due to his unnatural creation. This singular image has a paradoxical effect on Frankenstein's divided self.

Although Frankenstein may be seen as divided, he can also be seen as united with his creature. Just like Frankenstein is shown gnashing his teeth, the monster later gnashes his teeth in anger and impotence, reflecting Frankenstein's actions. Mary Shelley's choice of language when depicting the theme of giving birth to one's own embodiment clearly portrays the physical, mental, and spiritual emptiness in both Frankenstein and his creation. Similar to Cathy's repressed emotions in Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein's emotions are also suppressed.

The idea that the monster may symbolize the internal separation within Frankenstein's subconscious, his primitive nature, is evident. We are incomplete beings, only partly formed. As his creation has given life to his other self, he is closely connected to the spiritual aspect of the monster. You, my creator, despise and reject me, as we are only bound together by ties that

can only be broken by the destruction of one of us. Similarly, Emily Bronte successfully presents the theme of the divided self through her use of language, just like Mary Shelley. When readers are informed that her mind has wandered and her soul is no longer within her, one can interpret Emily Bronte's portrayal of Cathy's divided self as conflicting.

Although Cathy compares her soul to a shattered prison, as it is confined like the two households that have restricted her, this liberation also causes division within her, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Similarly, the monster in Frankenstein experiences spiritual division. His understanding of life is shaped by his experiences. By interacting with the cottagers, he instinctively learns to help them with their work, thus developing a sense of humanity. However, this inherent goodness is destroyed when the cottagers reject him. As a result of his bitter sickness, the monster learns how he will treat Frankenstein in return, permanently dividing himself and losing his sense of humanity until death.

Both novels explore the theme of the divided self, with each protagonist experiencing this struggle. Cathy, Heathcliff, Frankenstein, and the monster are all depicted as beings torn apart physically, spiritually, and mentally. They are divided within themselves and in their relationships with each other. It is only in death that they finally find peace, leading the reader to contemplate the rhetorical question regarding the search for rest that can only be found in death.

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