Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1946/12886
Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is examined in this essay through the scope of liminality. Brontë uses subtle liminal devices to enhance her narrative and give extra depth to her characters. The relevant characters are analysed and discovered in both fixed and fleeting liminal states and their actions and motives are influenced accordingly. The complete setting of Wuthering Heights is explored and found to embody in-between situations and places throughout. These places are examined further and in combination with characters and events. Heathcliff is analysed in accordance with his situation on the threshold of society and his actions are examined with special regard to his feelings for Catherine. However Catherine is analysed through her relationships and decisions rather than her permanent situation in life. Furthermore Nelly Dean and Mr. Lockwood’s connection to the narration of the story is explored and found to present an interesting liminal situation between being a narrator and a character in the story. The main settings of Wuthering Heights impose much mystery and suspense upon the story. The moors are considered the ultimate liminal place in the story, being situated between the two main estates, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Connection between the moors and especially Heathcliff and Catherine are investigated and found to be of great importance to the whole narrative. Moreover the tension between the two estates, caused mainly by Catherine, heavily influences the characters and the liminality surrounding both windows and doorways adds a distinct supernatural effect to the whole narrative. Furthermore Brontë blurs the line between life and death to create additional drama and suspense but due to her narrative technique the novel is still connected with reality.
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