Many times an author will give some indication of a future event in a story long before the right combination of literary elements occurs in order for that event to unfold. The foreshadowing is synonymous with the idea of prophecy. In Wuthering Heights one statement that holds the potential to change the course of the novel and may prove true to its nature was given by Heathcliff. Upon his return to Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff swore that he would not "suffer unrevenged" of the cruelty he experienced by the hands of those who wronged him during his childhood (123). This statement essentially starts Heathcliff on a journey to destroy the lives of those around him until he achieves the restitution that he so desired. This statement was a promise of action by a character that may ultimately be fulfilled. Hence, it constitutes the classification of prophecy. I believe that by the story's end, we will find that Heathcliff's words carried some weight.
Are there any other forewarning phrases that anyone noticed going through Wuthering Heights?
Though I have not read Wuthering Heights (it was not my assigned book), foreshadowing/omens that bespeak some ill fate are the basis (IMO) of Gothic lit. Those omens are used to expose the dark side of human nature.
ReplyDeleteOne novel that this peice has with other gothic literature is the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. After being deserted by his creator, the beast sets out to destroy the lives of the people around him. He also makes a promise of action to meet his creator on his wedding night. He ended up killing his soon to be wife for revenge for his actions.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of revenge seems to be a huge part of Gothic literature period. It shows up repeatedly and I believe can be considered a main part of Gothic lit. So far the theme of revenge has been mentioned in all the Gothic books I have read and heard about.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, so it looks like Gothic authors utilized personal anguishes in order to give their works a a sense of impending doom. This impending doom for the major character(s) serves as prophetic utterances that come to give the book structure and direction.
ReplyDeleteI think the foreshadowing of events may very well be the author using literature as a way to vent emotionally, or to express dreams, feelings, ideas, etc., as is in any other form of art. But the way in how the statement is made directs towards the 'what if' statements that make one wonder.
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