Exploring the Ending of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights: A Complex Conclusion to Passion and Revenge

The novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront? has long captivated readers with its complex narrative and vivid characters. Perhaps the most striking element of this gothic romance is its intricate conclusion, which leaves a lasting impression on the reader. In this article, we will explore the ending of Wuthering Heights and its significance in the overall narrative.

The Death of Heathcliff and the Resolution of Wuthering Heights

Heathcliff, the central character of the novel, ultimately meets his end in a climactic scene. Heathcliff’s death marks a significant turning point in the story, as it signifies not only the conclusion of his tumultuous journey but also the resolution of the fates of the characters who were entangled in his life. His demise brings an end to the chains of revenge and passion that have shaped the narrative for decades.

Cathy and Hareton’s Belated Honeymoon at Thrushcross Grange

While Heathcliff’s fate is tragic, there is a bittersweet element to the ending with Cathy and Hareton’s engagement and planned marriage to Thrushcross Grange. This union represents a form of redemption and a break from the cycle of violence and revenge that has plagued the Earnshaw and Linton families.

Final Scene and Themes of Love and Revenge

The final scene, set in the Bronte Parsonage parlour, is perhaps the most poignant of all. In her last hours, Cathy returns to Hareton, indicating a deep-seated love that transcends the barriers of class and moral conduct. The interplay of love and revenge is central to the novel. Cathy lost Heathcliff first through her selfish actions, then through her conceit and finally, upon her deathbed, through her reunion with Hareton.

Symbolism in the Ending

Thrushcross Grange, as a symbol of wealth and refinement, serves as a contrast to the moors and the Wuthering Heights that represent wild passion and poverty. The relocation of Cathy and Hareton to Thrushcross Grange is not just a physical change but a shift in their social and economic status. This shift symbolizes a resolution to the conflict and a move away from the dark past that has dominated the narrative.

Famous Quotes and Lines from the Ending

Emily Bront?’s penultimate lines, "He may kill me; he will have no mourners now," underscore the futility of life and death, and the enduring power of love that even in its final moments, compels Cathy to consider more than just herself. Hareton has, in the end, inherited Wuthering Heights, carrying forward a legacy of both suffering and redemption.

The closing lines, "‘There is nothing in the grave, but seed, that may spring as it will towards the light’…" through Hareton Stooge, mark the beginning of a new cycle, light from darkness, and a promise of rejuvenation. Despite the lingering themes of revenge and tragedy, this line offers a hopeful prognosis.

Conclusion

Emily Bront?’s Wuthering Heights is a novel rich in symbolism and emotional depth. The ending, with its final scene in the Bronte Parsonage, encapsulates the novel’s themes of love and revenge. The characters and their fates are left with a bittersweet mix of closure and unresolved questions. A revisit to Wuthering Heights towards its conclusion ensures an understanding of the complexities and enduring influence of this great novel.

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