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In Emily Bronte's novel, Wuthering Heights, a vivid and striking contrast emerges between two central characters, Heathcliff and Edgar Linton. This dichotomy is not confined to their actions alone; it extends to their physical appearance, typical surroundings, and the language used to delineate their personas. Bronte employs a strategic combination of imagery, binary opposites, and contrasting lexical fields to underscore the profound differences between Heathcliff and Edgar, elevating their characters to archetypes of opposing forces.
At the outset, Bronte establishes the elemental divergence between Heathcliff and Edgar by employing vivid imagery.
In Chapter 7, Heathcliff describes Edgar as possessing fair hair and light skin, while Heathcliff himself is characterized by dark hair and skin. This stark visual dichotomy serves as an immediate indicator to readers that these characters stand at opposite ends of the spectrum. The use of binary opposites in describing their physical attributes suggests a fundamental contrast that extends to the core of their being.
This binary opposition is further accentuated by the disparate settings of their residences.
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Edgar inhabits Thrushcross Grange, a luminous and spacious abode, while Heathcliff resides in the dark, foreboding Wuthering Heights. The imagery associated with these two houses mirrors the characters' personalities; Edgar's home is a symbol of light and openness, while Heathcliff's dwelling exudes an aura of darkness and malevolence. The juxtaposition of their living environments reinforces the notion that these characters are diametrically opposed.
Bronte masterfully employs language to accentuate the differences between Heathcliff and Edgar.
A compelling technique is the use of contrasting lexical fields related to heaven and hell. Heathcliff, with his dark features, is consistently described using words associated with the underworld. Nelly, for instance, refers to his eyes as 'devils spies' and 'dark fiends,' cementing the association with malevolence. In contrast, Edgar is enveloped in a lexical field evoking heavenly imagery. His eyes are likened to little angels, and his features are consistently labeled as angelic and soft, conveying an impression of goodness.
The deliberate selection of contrasting lexical fields not only highlights the characters' opposition but also implies moral distinctions. Heathcliff is subtly aligned with the malevolent forces of hell, while Edgar is portrayed as embodying virtues associated with heaven. This linguistic strategy deepens the reader's perception of the characters, transforming them into archetypal representations of good and evil.
Bronte's linguistic choices extend beyond mere description; they actively shape the atmosphere surrounding Heathcliff and Edgar. When discussing Heathcliff, Nelly employs words such as 'lurk' and 'vicious,' creating a dark and sinister ambiance around his character. In contrast, Edgar is enveloped in words like 'gentle' and 'beautiful,' projecting a calm and soft atmosphere. This linguistic juxtaposition intensifies the contrast between the two characters, emphasizing not only their differences but the opposing atmospheres they carry with them.
Catherine, in Chapter 9, explicitly draws attention to the polarity between Heathcliff and Edgar, stating that "(Heathcliff's soul) and Linton’s is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire." This vivid employment of binary opposites reinforces the violent and harmful nature associated with Heathcliff, aligning him with fire and lightning, symbols of destruction and chaos. On the other hand, the imagery of frost and moonbeam paints Edgar's soul as soft, light, cool, and calm, reinforcing the notion that he embodies qualities of goodness.
Bronte's strategic insertion of words and imagery not only distinguishes between Heathcliff and Edgar but subtly guides the reader to associate Heathcliff with hell and Edgar with heaven. The reader, even without explicit guidance, naturally aligns Heathcliff with fire and lightning, symbolizing violence and harm, and Edgar with frost and moonbeam, representing calmness and goodness. In essence, Bronte crafts a narrative where the stark contrast between these characters extends beyond their individual traits, positioning them at opposite ends of the moral spectrum.
In conclusion, Emily Bronte skillfully employs language, imagery, and binary opposites in Wuthering Heights to delineate a profound contrast between Heathcliff and Edgar Linton. This stark dichotomy extends from their physical attributes and living environments to the very essence of their characters. Through selective use of lexical fields associated with heaven and hell, Bronte transforms the contrast between the characters into a moral dichotomy, portraying Heathcliff as a representation of evil and Edgar as a symbol of goodness. The subtle nuances in language choices and imagery not only enhance the reader's understanding of the characters but also contribute to a rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning within the novel.
Exploring Contrasts in Wuthering Heights: Heathcliff and Edgar. (2016, May 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/language-and-imagery-in-wuthering-heights-essay
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