How the Houses in Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights Compare :: Emily Bronte Literature Essays

How the Houses in Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights Compare Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange are two exact opposites separated by the neutral territory of the moors, a dreamlike place thought of as heaven by Heathcliff and Catherine. Although both estates are wealthy, there is a definite difference in class between them and this bears greatly on the characters from both estates ability to socialise with each other. The two different buildings have their own strengths and weaknesses and the characters reflect their features. On the one hand there is Wuthering Heights with its stark and intimidating appearance but strong magnetism representing savagery and Thrushcross grange with its refinement and pleasant appearance representing civility. Wuthering heights has the characteristics of being a very strong, prominent structure and is described by Mr Lockwood as being a misanthropists heaven. It is a very desolate and lonely place up on a hill exposed to stormy weather with no real beauty and can be seen as an uncivilised place to live. Thrushcross Grange is a very classy, civilised estate and living in a place like this would bring a lot of status with it. It is quite a sheltered place down in the valley and this is something that is common with its children - they tend to be sheltered and spoilt. Thrushcross grange is comfortable and decorative whereas Wuthering Heights is basic and down to earth. Whilst Wuthering Heights has great power in its commanding position up on the hill, it will never be in the same class as the Grange. The features of the estates have a strong association with the people who live in them in terms of mood, emotion and appearance. Heathcliff is a very dark and stormy character of Gypsy blood and is the person who has the greatest association with Wuthering Heights. Mr Earnshaw who found him alone and starving introduced him to the place as a child where he grew up with Catherine and Hindley as an interloper. In adulthood he becomes more and more antisocial and puts up a stone barrier when it comes to showing his emotions. He and the building suit each other as though they were one and the same because whilst he displays all the strength and pride of the Heights, he also has the roughness. Isabella is Edgar Linton's sister and although being a pleasant, well-educated person has the soft and civilised traits of Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff marries her as a way of revenge against Cathy and Edgar and as part of his overall plan to own both estates. Not realising Heathcliffs intentions she is taken in by his magnetism and strength but is too soft a character to stand up to his might and