“. . . the Gothic persistently emphasized the presence of darkness and despair, of ambiguity and uncertainty amidst seemingly definite surroundings.”
Also, if the ‘Byronic hero’ turns out to be a big figure throughout the semester, then that would be another thing that Wuthering Heights has in common with vampire novels. Heathcliff definitely seems to fit the description of a Byronic hero, however, I’m not sure if that quality is enough to link him to vampire stories. After all, we have only read one vampire story with a Byronic hero at this point, so it’s hard to tell how prevalent it will be in the genre as a whole.
Beyond that, however, I can’t say that I completely understand the link between Wuthering Heights and vampire novels. I mean, I see how they are similar, but if the question is ‘do I think it fits in with a class full of vampire novels’, I think my answer would probably have to be ‘no’. But, to be fair, I don’t consider that to be an informed decision. I think that it may be a little too early in the semester for me to be able to really appreciate the link between Wuthering Heights and the rest of the material that we’ll be studying (maybe just due to the fact that, at this point, our class has spent more time on stories with no vampires at all than on actual vampire stories).
All things considered, I think that Wuthering Heights is probably a good example of the dark and mysterious tone that early vampire novels had. However, I would say that the more that vampire stories change, the less Wuthering Heights becomes relevant to the genre as a whole. It would seem that the genre has undergone many changes over the years—from gothic, to straight-up horror, and now even more towards the realm of romance. I remember reading another student’s blog that reminded me of this point where the student says that even though Wuthering Heights is referenced in comparison to Twilight, they are actually quite different.
I suppose I’d probably give the book a 7 out of 10. Not because I didn’t think that it was well-written—the characters were interesting and deep, and the narrative was very emotionally powerful at times, but in the end, the difficult wording and excessively negative subject matter just weren’t my cup of tea.
When I first started reading the novel I was thinking that Catherine and Heathcliff were going to be vampires. Not because a lot in the story led me to believe that but because this was assigned in a vampire novel class so there has to be vampires. Right? Wrong! I completely agree with you when you say that thus should not be read in a vampire class. However, I do see that you could connect the deep and dark tone with that of most vampire novels. I think that the reason people classify vampires as “deep and dark” is because they picture them as creatures of the night who feed on and kill humans. This in some stories is true. However, as a reader of the Twilight saga I do agree that the tones are very different. I do agree with the fact that in Twilight there is some violence and disagreements but for the most part it is the Cullens trying to be “good” vampires. And I do not know if you have read Twilight but the Cullens consider themselves “vegitarians” because they feed on animals and not humans. Like the Twilight saga the True Blood series is also trying to make vampires trying to be humane because the can drink synthetic blood and mix in with humans.
ReplyDeleteLike many other students in this class, I also wondered what Wuthering Heights was doing in a class with all vampire novels. To be fair I’ve read the book before. I knew there were no typical ‘vampires’ in the story. There is plenty of the supernatural contained within the plot, but no blood sucking going on. Okay, yeah that’s a little cliché but I did see a connection between “The Vampyre” and Wuthering Heights. Lord Ruthven plagued Aubrey to the point of hysteria, he was sick and delirious until his death. Catherine also became wrapped up in the battle between Edgar and Heathcliff, and it dwindled her health until she too, was considered delirious.
ReplyDelete“Look!’ she cried eagerly, ‘that’s my room with the candle in it, and the trees swaying before it…and the other candle is in Joseph’s garret… […] It’s a rough journey, and a sad heart to travel it; and we must pass Gimmerton Kirk to go that journey! […] But Heathcliff, if I dare you now, will you venture? If you do I’ll keep you. I’ll not lie there by myself: they may bury me twelve feet deep, and throw the church over me, but I won’t rest until you are with me. I never will!” (p.119)
Nelly here believes Cathy is insane, muttering about to herself about the illusions she is seeing and speaking to. Of course Heathcliff cannot really hear her, yet she acts as if he can and is communicating with him. However, does this make Heathcliff a ‘vampire’? I don’t really think so, but I can see the connection at least.
I agree that Wuthering Heights should not be read in a vampire class. I also enjoyed your view in the progression of the genre, "It would seem that the genre has undergone many changes over the years—from gothic, to straight-up horror, and now even more towards the realm of romance". Wuthering Heights is a blend of the gothic and romantic sides of vampirism. I do not really see how ot fits in because as mentioned earlier there is no vampire blood sucking going on so I think it is hard to place it in the category of vampire.
ReplyDeleteI also don't get why this book is included with other vampire books. I haven't read many vampire books (only the Twilight series) so all I really think of when i hear 'vampire' is immortal, and they drink blood. I mean i guess it's somewhat similar but I don't completely understand why we're studying it this semester.
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