American Research Journal of English and Literature

Emily Bronte, the highly imaginative novelist of passion of the 19th century, produced only one novel, Wuthering Heights, in 1847. Influenced by the times and social background and life experiences, her novel reflects a vision of human nature and of the society in which she lived. In Wuthering Heights, Bronte tells a story of tragedy of passion in its two aspects of love and violence. This study presents Bronte‟s view of the nature of man and of the world in which he existed from different aspects. By analyzing the two main characters‟ different personalities, the study reveals the internal reason of the tragedy. This study also deals with women‟s status and the patriarchal society at that time, showing the influence of the society in which they lived which was intensifying man‟s basic corruption. In addition, it also focuses on how Bronte‟s success stems from the fact that she was able to present her vision obliquely and imaginatively. Bronte could portray amoral beings like Catherine and Heath cliff with total honesty and understanding, yet remain completely aware of what the inevitable consequences of their behavior must be. From these analyses, people can reach a systematic and profound understanding of the causes of the tragedy of passion, and thus will grasp the connotation of the novel comprehensively and accurately.