Gothic literature is characterized by use of “high emotions” and melodrama. There is use of language that induces fear and panic. The main themes fronted by Gothic authors are themes of emotional distress and madness. In Wuthering Heights, Catherine embodies the theme of fear and madness. The description of her madness episode induces fear. In V1, Chapter 12. Page 128, the author notes “Tossing about, she increased her feverish bewilderment to madness, and tore the pillow with her teeth…” This quote creates a mental picture of a madness. It also induces emotional distress especially when one picture Catherine tearing the pillow with her teeth. Further in V1, chapter 12, page 135, the writer notes “A maniac fury kindled under her brows: she struggled desperately to disengage herself from Linton’s arms.” This quote also induces emotional distress. It is indicative of anger and melodrama. Catherine is in a “maniac fury”. This anger can be potentially destructive and largely used by the author to further the concept of Gothic literature. In the same chapter (page 136), the writer further introduces other Gothic aspects when Catherine is seen to “alternately rave, she remained in half dream, knowing those close to her, but having her mind filled with all sorts of strange ideas and illusions”. This quote shows that Catherine goes to a world that is different from the normal one. The strange ideas and illusions are also Gothic in nature.
References
Bronte, E. (1847). Wuthering Heights. London: Thomas Cautley Newby.
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