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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wuthering Heights: Journal 1

This week we have discussed about character symbolism and the differences between connotation and denotation. With connection to Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is perceived by his peers as a "dark-skinned gypsy"- pg 11.The connotation of a dark male is mischievous, evil, weird, and the Satan's child. However, Mr. Lockwood's perception of Heathcliff contradicts society's opinion. "In dress and manners a gentleman..."- pg 11, Mr. Lockwood looks through Heathcliff's physical differences and finds that he is as proud as any other fair-skinned man.
When Heathcliff was a child, he was adopted by a Samaritan, Mr.Earnshaw. At first, no one agreed with Mr.Earnshaw's compassion, especially his children. Catherine and Hindley detested Heathcliff for Heathcliff was seen as Satan's serpent that tempted Eve and Adam to do evil. Really, it was Hindley who revealed the most darkness and violence towards others. Hindley abused Heathcliff both physically and mentally, he would beat Heathcliff and make him afraid to be in the same room as Hindley.
From a reader's point of view, Heathcliff is a misguided young man who was raised up mistreated and hated by all. The only kindness he was ever given was by Nelly Dean, Catherine and Mr. Earnshaw who died just after he took in Heathcliff.
It is winter time at Wuthering Heights; it is cold and grim. Not only is it frosty weather, but also a frosty atmosphere. At Mr. Heathcliff's house, he and his daughter-in-law are on awkward terms for they clearly hate each other. ""My amiable lady!"....diabolical sneer on his face..." pg18. For some reason Mrs. and Mr. Heathcliff don't like each other.

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