Differences Between Wuthering Heights & Thrushcross Grange Essay, Research Paper

In Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, the story is confined to two manors; Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Though Wuthering Heights is not far from Thrushcross Grange, they differ greatly. They represent the conflict between chaos and serenity. The occupants of Wuthering Heights are in constant turmoil, while the tenants who reside at Thrushcross Grange enjoy a peaceful life of luxury. Bronte makes a magnificent use of characterization by names. Even the properties are characterized by their names. When the characters from Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange meet, love and jealousy are sparked.

In the beginning of the novel Mr. Lockwood, renter of Thrushcross Grange, introduces Wuthering Heights. He says,”Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr. Heathcliff’s dwelling. ?Wuthering’ being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmosphere tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather. The narrow windows are deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones.” This Gothic description of Wuthering Heights reveals the weathering effect it has on characters. The darkness and mysterious history of the residence can be intimidating. Mr. Lockwood is greeted coldly by the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights. He is ridiculed for asking questions about the property’s history. He reflects,”The dismal spiritual atmosphere overcame, and more then neutralized, the glowing physical comforts round me; and I resolved to be cautious how I ventured under those rafters a third time.” Mr. Lockwood enjoys a social conversation. He feels out of place in a family who rarely speaks to one anther.

Later in the novel Thrushcross Grange is depicted in the past. Heathcliff, now a teenager, and Catherine (Heathcliff’s foster sister who is around the same age) sneak over to Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff illustrates their experience,”‘We crept through a broken hedge, groped our way up the path, and planted ourselves on a flower plot under the drawing-room window. The light came from thence….it was beautiful- a splendid place carpeted with crimson and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold, a shower of glass-drops hanging in silver chains from the center and shimmering with little soft tapers.’” Heathcliff’s describes Thrushcross Grange with flowing colors and luxurious views. This description differs from the overcast and colorless Wuthering Heights. Subsequently Catherine is injured and is taken into Thrushcross Grange by the residing family, the Lintons. Heathcliff recalls her hospitable treatment,”‘Afterwards, they dried and combed her beautiful hair, and gave her a pair of enormous slippers, and wheeled her to the fire; as merry as she could be.’” Catherine’s treatment contrasts the way Mr. Lockwood was greeted at Wuthering Heights. This exhibits the manner in which the Lintons compose themselves compared to the Earnshaw’s of Wuthering Heights.

The differences continue as the novel returns to the present day. Cathy (Catherine’s daughter) compares her idea of spending a summer day with Linton’s (Heathcliff’s son),”‘He said the pleasantest manner of spending a hot July day was lying from morning till evening on a bank of heath in the middle of the moors…the blue sky and bright sun shining steadily and cloudlessly.’” Linton being a “product” of Wuthering Heights longs for dullness and quietness. His absent-colored description conforms to the blandness of Wuthering Heights.. Cathy continues,”‘Mine [idea] was rocking and rustling in a green tree, with the west wind blowing, and bright white clouds flitting rapidly above…’” Cathy was raised in Thrushcross Grange, so she pictures her ideal day with an intensity of color. The two accounts convey the differences between Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.

The conflicts between Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange prevail through the entire novel. The influence of the vicinities is evident in the characters. Catherine is described as a child who “could ride any horse in the stable”. This is a perfect example of the impetuous Wuthering Heights. Thrushcross Grange is pictured with radiant colors and elegance. Wuthering Heights is the complete opposite of Thrushcross Grange. They contradict with every aspect of each other.