“Wuthering Heights”, Emily Brontë's only novel, was published in 1847 under the pseudonym "Ellis Bell".
Although “Wuthering Heights” is now a classic of English literature, contemporaneous reviews were deeply polarised; it was controversial because of its unusually stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, and it challenged strict Victorian ideals regarding religious hypocrisy, morality, social classes and gender inequality.
The story is told in layers, a format that has earned the novel much praise despite initial mixed reviews. It is the story of Catherine and Heathcliff and how their unresolved passion eventually destroys them both.
The novel is also about envy, nostalgia, pessimism and resentment.
“Wuthering Heights” contains elements of gothic fiction and the moorland setting is a significant aspect of the drama.
The novel has inspired many adaptations, including film, radio and television dramatisations; a musical; a ballet; operas, and a song by Kate Bush.
