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WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Emily Brontë Do you like or dislike the character of Nelly Dean, the narrator of most of the story? Explain your answer - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Emily Brontë Do you like or dislike the character of Nelly Dean, the narrator of most of the story? Explain your answer. Based on your knowledg... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Emily Brontë Do you like or dislike the character of Nelly Dean, the narrator of most of the story? Explain your answer - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Do you like or dislike the character of Nelly Dean, the narrator of most of the story? Explain your answer.
Answer
Nelly Dean serves as a complex narrator in 'Wuthering Heights.' Many may find her both likable and unlikable due to her multifaceted nature. On one hand, she acts as a caretaker and confidante, providing insights into the lives of the Earnshaws and Lintons. Her familiarity with the characters and events can endear her to readers, as she often attempts to mediate conflicts and express compassion.
On the other hand, Nelly can be seen as partial and manipulative, particularly in her storytelling. Her biases may distort the truth, leading readers to question her motivations. Some readers may dislike her for her role in influencing the events around her, particularly as she sometimes exacerbates tensions rather than alleviating them. Therefore, my opinion of Nelly is ambivalent; I appreciate her narrative role but also recognize her flaws.
Step 2
Based on your knowledge of the novel, describe the type of person you imagine Joseph to be.
Answer
Joseph is depicted as a grumpy and superstitious servant at Wuthering Heights. His demeanor is consistently dour, reflecting a negative outlook on life. He possesses a strong dialect that distinguishes him from others, adding to the unique atmosphere of the novel. His temperamental nature suggests he is easily irritable, perhaps due to a lifetime of servitude and hardship. Furthermore, Joseph is emblematic of the older generation's adherence to tradition and superstition, which serves as a contrast to the impulsive and passionate characters around him. Therefore, he comes across as a rather unsympathetic and resentful individual, shaped by the harsh realities of his environment.
Step 3
Did you feel sorrow at the death and burial of Heathcliff? Explain your answer.
Answer
Heathcliff's death evokes a complex mixture of sorrow and relief. Throughout 'Wuthering Heights,' he embodies a tumultuous life filled with pain and vengeance, making his eventual passing a significant moment. While he has inflicted suffering on those around him, it is clear that he is a deeply troubled soul who ultimately yearns for love and reconciliation. His burial, set against the haunting backdrop of the moors, brings forth an eerie sense of finality and isolation.
Despite the darkness surrounding his character, one cannot help but feel a sense of empathy for Heathcliff at the end. His life, marked by loss and unfulfilled desires, prompts reflections on the nature of love and despair. Thus, I did feel sorrow, as Heathcliff's death serves as a haunting reminder of the profound impacts of love and loss.