I like your point about the domestic violence. Emily was perhaps writing about what people were experiencing. I am always surprised when I find out how many women have experienced beatings and other forms of violence.
Oh Judy, yes! Unfortunately, researching my maternal grandmother's ancestors taught me how *common* domestic violence had become (at least here in America) in the 1700-1800s. When doing genealogical research I also learn a lot from divorce proceedings: desertion, abuse and indignities were the most common claims.
I first read Wuthering Heights at far too young an age. I was about nine, it was Hallowe’en 1978, and I wanted a “scary” book. I knew the Kate Bush song and there was a BBC adaptation on, which I remember watching. I don’t recall how I felt about the book as a 9-year-old but I know I finished it and then read it a number of times as a much younger woman. I haven’t read it for about 20 years, and I am now struck by the violence in a way that I wasn’t when I was younger when I just accepted it as part of the atmosphere. But I still think it’s less disturbing than Charlotte’s Jane Eyre, which I greatly dislike. (I could talk about people using a reading from Jane Eyre in weddings. It makes my teeth itch…)
I have always liked Isabella - I would love to see a well written account from her point of view. I think she has hidden strength.
I read far too many novels too early and should probably make a list of the ones I must (re)read not that I am an adult--and an 'older'adult. The Kate Bush song is such a gem; just a couple of weeks ago I found both versions of the 'music video' on YouTube and had such a good time showing them to my twenty-year-old son!
As someone who watched the film (the Ralph Fiennes/Juliette Binoche adaptation) in my late-20s and never read the book until my 30s and then again (now), in my early 50s...I am just as struck by Brontë's use of (and descriptions of) violence. Yet--as you say--Jane Eyre is (in my opinion) far more disturbing; I think Jane Eyre fits the "scary" book label you were seeking at age nine! The idea of including passages from it in a wedding reminds me of when boys in high school would include REM's "The One I Love," or "Every Breath You Take," by The Police on a mix tape and give it to their girlfriends. Ha!
It's interesting...I've conducted so much genealogy research and become so familiar with my ancestors' lives and lifestyles dating back into the 1700s (here in the U.S.). Everyday violence (from domestic abuse to physical altercations in the street) was initially shocking to me when I began poring over biographies and newspapers, etc. but as I continued to read such shocking accounts, they began to become 'commonplace.' I'm honestly surprised the critics reacted so unfavorably to Wuthering Heights when--at least here in the US--the acts of violence in the novel are no less distressing than what was often being reported in local newspapers. [Note to self: find early reviews of WH from U.S. critics and see if they differ!]
Your point on Isabella--WOW--yes! I confess: I will take a much closer look at Isabella in my future readings. She is often dismissed and overlooked--I'll rectify that in a future essay. She is certainly worthy of discussion. ♡
I am happily reading this for a first time. I am glad for these essays to fill in things I missed or did not understand.
I'm so glad I'm doing this Read-Along. As a first time reader I'm definitely devouring quickly and therefore missing things. Thank you!
This is so nice to hear, Susan...Thank YOU for being here! ♡
I like your point about the domestic violence. Emily was perhaps writing about what people were experiencing. I am always surprised when I find out how many women have experienced beatings and other forms of violence.
Oh Judy, yes! Unfortunately, researching my maternal grandmother's ancestors taught me how *common* domestic violence had become (at least here in America) in the 1700-1800s. When doing genealogical research I also learn a lot from divorce proceedings: desertion, abuse and indignities were the most common claims.
I first read Wuthering Heights at far too young an age. I was about nine, it was Hallowe’en 1978, and I wanted a “scary” book. I knew the Kate Bush song and there was a BBC adaptation on, which I remember watching. I don’t recall how I felt about the book as a 9-year-old but I know I finished it and then read it a number of times as a much younger woman. I haven’t read it for about 20 years, and I am now struck by the violence in a way that I wasn’t when I was younger when I just accepted it as part of the atmosphere. But I still think it’s less disturbing than Charlotte’s Jane Eyre, which I greatly dislike. (I could talk about people using a reading from Jane Eyre in weddings. It makes my teeth itch…)
I have always liked Isabella - I would love to see a well written account from her point of view. I think she has hidden strength.
Loving everything about this comment...
I read far too many novels too early and should probably make a list of the ones I must (re)read not that I am an adult--and an 'older'adult. The Kate Bush song is such a gem; just a couple of weeks ago I found both versions of the 'music video' on YouTube and had such a good time showing them to my twenty-year-old son!
As someone who watched the film (the Ralph Fiennes/Juliette Binoche adaptation) in my late-20s and never read the book until my 30s and then again (now), in my early 50s...I am just as struck by Brontë's use of (and descriptions of) violence. Yet--as you say--Jane Eyre is (in my opinion) far more disturbing; I think Jane Eyre fits the "scary" book label you were seeking at age nine! The idea of including passages from it in a wedding reminds me of when boys in high school would include REM's "The One I Love," or "Every Breath You Take," by The Police on a mix tape and give it to their girlfriends. Ha!
It's interesting...I've conducted so much genealogy research and become so familiar with my ancestors' lives and lifestyles dating back into the 1700s (here in the U.S.). Everyday violence (from domestic abuse to physical altercations in the street) was initially shocking to me when I began poring over biographies and newspapers, etc. but as I continued to read such shocking accounts, they began to become 'commonplace.' I'm honestly surprised the critics reacted so unfavorably to Wuthering Heights when--at least here in the US--the acts of violence in the novel are no less distressing than what was often being reported in local newspapers. [Note to self: find early reviews of WH from U.S. critics and see if they differ!]
Your point on Isabella--WOW--yes! I confess: I will take a much closer look at Isabella in my future readings. She is often dismissed and overlooked--I'll rectify that in a future essay. She is certainly worthy of discussion. ♡