To love is to live dangerously: Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë & Kate Bush
'He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.' E. Bronte
A literary work that exemplifies the title of today's writing is Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights". It stands as a timeless classic not only for its haunting portrayal of the Yorkshire moors but also for its exploration of intense and destructive love. At its heart are the characters Cathy Earnshaw and Heathcliff, whose passionate yet tormented relationship defies conventional boundaries and societal norms.
From the novel's inception, Cathy and Heathcliff's connection is depicted as beyond mere friendship or romance; it is an all-consuming obsession that transcends time and mortality. Their bond is forged in childhood, amidst the rugged beauty of the moors and the harsh realities of life at Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff, a foundling taken in by the Earnshaws, and Cathy, the spirited daughter of the household, form an inseparable union that defies their differences in social standing and upbringing.
"Wuthering Heights" challenges conventional notions of romantic love by depicting its darker and more destructive aspects. The intense love between Heathcliff and Catherine often leads to suffering and tragedy, highlighting the consequences of unchecked passion and obsession. The novel explores how love can be both a source of profound joy and profound pain, complicating traditional romantic ideals.
Heathcliff exerts control over those around him through manipulation and revenge. His desire for power and dominance stems from his troubled upbringing and his obsession with Catherine Earnshaw. Heathcliff's actions, such as his mistreatment of Hareton Earnshaw and his revenge on the Lintons, illustrate his need to assert control over others as a means of coping with his own sense of loss and injustice.
"You know as well as I do, that for every thought she spends on Linton she spends a thousand on me! . . . If he loved with all the powers of his puny being, he couldn’t love as much in eighty years as I could in a day. And Catherine has a heart as deep as I have: the sea could be as readily contained in that horse-trough as her whole affection be monopolized by him…It is not in him to be loved like me" - Heathcliff
Catherine struggles with conflicting desires for social status and true love throughout the novel. Her decision to marry Edgar Linton over Heathcliff is driven by societal expectations and the desire for a more stable and comfortable life. However, her passionate and tumultuous relationship with Heathcliff continues to exert a strong influence over her emotions and decisions, highlighting the tension between external control and personal desires.
Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" MV
Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" music video, released in 1978, remains a seminal work in the realm of music videos, blending literary inspiration with innovative visuals and a haunting musical performance. The video features Kate Bush dancing and performing on a dark, misty moor. This setting evokes the bleak, desolate atmosphere of Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights," from which the song draws inspiration. The use of flowing red fabric in Bush's costume contrasts sharply with the muted colors of the moor, emphasizing her presence and movements.
The red dress could symbolize passion or Cathy's spirit haunting Heathcliff. The natural elements like wind and mist add to the ethereal and otherworldly feel, possibly representing the supernatural or timeless love themes in the novel. Kate uses the lyrics "Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy I've come home, I'm so cold Let me in your window" drawing back to the scene where Cathy's spirit haunts him in the novel.
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