Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights is the only novel penned by Emily Bronte. It is currently published by Classic Books America. Books like Wuthering Heights are an integral part of language arts curriculum. This story is about the love shared between a woman named Catherine Earnshaw, and a man named Mr. Heathcliff. It is told through the eyes of a man named Mr. Lockwood.

The story begins with Catherine, her brother Hindley, and the family’s adopted son Heathcliff when they were young. Hindley become jealous of Heathcliff’s relationship with their father, causing trouble for Catherine and Heathcliff who loved each other very much.

Wuthering Heights’ summary continues with the death of both Catherine and Hindley. Heathcliff inherit’s the family home in Wuthering Heights where he is raising his son Linton, and Hindley’s son Hareton. Heathcliff kidnap’s Catherine’s daughter Cathy in an attempt to get her to marry Linton, but Linton dies before this is possible.

This book is important for children to read because it teaches the dangers of pride. Neither Catherine or Heathcliff ever tell each other about their true feelings, which results in unsatisfactory relationships for both of them in the future. Teachers will want to stress how honesty could have prevented some of the situations that arose in the book.

This Wuthering Heights passage explains the meaning behind the name of Wuthering Heights. "Wuthering Heights is the name or Mr. Heathcliff’s dwelling. ´Wuthering´ being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather."

Another Wuthering Heights passage shows the deep love shared between Catherine and Heathcliff. "If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it."

Since Wuthering Heights is story for high school students, teachers can implement a few games and activities to reinforce what was learned from the book. First, teachers can write out several quotes from the novel on note cards. Split the students up into two groups. Read the quotes and award a point to the group that can correctly tell you which character made the quote. The group with the most points wins. Literature printable worksheets can help students retain information they have read. Additionally, teachers can put together a Wuthering Heights spelling list and students can use this list to practice not only their spelling, but also their knowledge of the book.
Finally, students can put on costumes and act out their favorite scenes from the book.