It is a love story of immense emotional and imaginative force. Catherine and Heathcliff' are united in death.

It is a powerful evocation of place - the moors.

It is an exploration of two contrasting worlds and moral orders, represented by Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights.

It is a tale of revenge, which knows no bounds.

Above all it is an original novel, both in theme, style and structure.

Heathcliff
	Kindred spirit to Catherine
	Passionate
	Bullied and degraded by Hindley
	Brutal, cruel and sadistic
	Rejects conventional Christian morality; often described in diabolical terms

Catherine
	Passionate, strong-willed
	At home on the moors
	Believes in union with Heathcliff after death
	Self-centred
	Betrays her love for Heathcliff by marrying Edgar
	Cruel
	Extreme, hysterical

Nelly Dean
	Loyal to her employers and acts in their best interests
	Warm, approachable, confidante
	Lively storyteller
	Represents the common sense viewpoint and normal standards of behaviour
	Self-righteous, lecturing others on their responsibilities
	Critical of others
	Decided in her views but can be swayed

Edgar Linton
	Gentle and loving husband and father
	Civilised
	Loyal to Catherine's memory; observes annual ritual of visiting her grave
	Over-protective of his daughter
	Weak

Hindley
	Capable of affection in relationship with Frances
	Jealous of Heathcliff and determined to gain vengeance
	Violent and cruel in treatment of Heathcliff
	Lacks self-discipline

Cathy
	Strong-willed like her mother but affectionate, loving and loyal like her father
	Spirited
	Determined, with a strong survival instinct
	Sensitive to those she cares for
	Can be devious in getting her own way

Hareton
	Embodies best qualities of his parents
	Displays ancient Earnshaw character - strong, tough, resilient, spirited, proud
	Sensitive, feels deeply, capable of strong attachments
	Boorish, uncivilised, and violent

Linton Heathcliff
	In need of affection
	Combines Isabella's weakness and Heathcliff's cruelty
	Timid
	Unable to sympathise with anyone else; self-pitying
	Manipulative, dishonest, and deceptive

Lockwood
	Educated, civilised, representative of outside world
	Keen observer
	Sensitive to mood of people and place
	Vain, self-conscious
	Out of place in his surroundings
	Tends to jump to conclusions

Thrushcross Grange v. Wuthering Heights

Isolation

Imprisonment

Heaven and Hell

Love and Marriage

Revenge

Books

Comment on the significance of books in the novel.

How true do you find Charlotte Bronte's description of Nelly Dean as a "specimen of true benevolence and homely fidelity"?

Using Chapter 15 as a starting point, consider the nature of the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff.

How far and in what ways does Chapter 31 both reflect the central issues and contribute to the development of the novel?

What do you find interesting about the structure of the novel?

Show how Emily Bronte is able to convey atmosphere successfully.