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"In Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë introduces us to a strange and supernatural world." Does she succeed in making this strange and supernatural world believable? Explain your answer, supporting your point of view with suitable reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question B(i) - 2007
Question B(i)
"In Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë introduces us to a strange and supernatural world." Does she succeed in making this strange and supernatural world believable? ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"In Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë introduces us to a strange and supernatural world." Does she succeed in making this strange and supernatural world believable? Explain your answer, supporting your point of view with suitable reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question B(i) - 2007
Step 1
Introduction to the Supernatural Elements
Answer
In Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, the portrayal of the supernatural is effectively integrated into the narrative, creating a world that captivates the reader's imagination. The strange occurrences, such as the ghostly apparitions and the intense atmospheric conditions, serve to establish an unsettling ambiance that augments the story's emotional depth.
Step 2
Heathcliff's Demonic Credibility
Answer
Heathcliff stands out as a character who embodies the supernatural elements within the novel. His portrayal as a demonic figure is reinforced through his tumultuous relationship with Catherine and his intense, almost supernatural, emotions. His role challenges the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, begging the reader to question the nature of humanity and vengeance.
Step 3
Use of Dreams and Superstitions
Answer
Brontë employs dreams, superstitions, and religious imagery to create layers of meaning that heighten the novel's eerie atmosphere. For example, the recurring dreams experienced by Catherine and Heathcliff serve as foreshadowing devices, allowing insights into their deep, emotional struggles and intensifying the sense of foreboding throughout the text.
Step 4
Setting and Atmosphere
Answer
The settings of Wuthering Heights and the Grange are meticulously crafted to reflect the tumultuous emotional landscape of the characters. The weather, harsh conditions, and the isolation of the moors create a sense of the uncanny, reinforcing the novel's themes of passion and despair while grounding the supernatural elements within a believable context.
Step 5
Characterization and Their Supernatural Qualities
Answer
Characters such as Joseph and Linton exhibit qualities that contribute to the strange atmosphere of the novel. Brontë's vivid descriptions of their behaviors and interactions help to maintain the supernatural tone throughout the narrative, exemplifying human flaws against a backdrop of an otherworldly landscape. This effective characterization aids in making the supernatural aspects more credible.
Step 6
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, Brontë succeeds in weaving elements of the strange and supernatural into a believable narrative. The interplay of character, setting, and thematic depth result in a world that resonates with both the eerie and the emotional, ultimately enhancing the reader's experience.