Heathcliff is the main character. The whole story revolves around him, from the time he is an orphan to his death. The first time Mr. Lockwood meets him, he describes him as a "solitary neighbour that I shall be trouble with." He seems a menacing character; he never smiles; he never speaks. His character is linked with dogs and in the opening chapters, he is seen with dogs. Dogs are exactly the right thing for portraying him. Dogs can be dirty and pitiful, strong,powerful and even predators.

 

As a result of his character, Lockwood finds it hard to talk to him. Lockwood soon discovers a young man and woman who live with Heathcliff. The young man is the son of the former master of Wuthering Heights, while the young woman is Heathcliff's daughter in-law. Lockwood also asks his housekeeper, Ellen Dean, about Heathcliff. Ellen 'Nelly' Dean has known Heathcliff since he was a child. When she starts telling her story, it is another representation of the truth as Nelly is biased. 

 

Heathcliff was loved by Mr. Earnshaw (the former master) who took the orphan in. There was always a childhood rivalry between Hindley (Earnshaw's son) and Heathcliff and an unexplainable bond between Catherine (Earnshaw's daughter) and Heathcliff. Nelly tells the story of past events.

 

Wuthering Heights is a dark, intense book. The attitudes of the narrators shape the tone. Lockwood's curiosity and fascination convey a lighter toner first than after he realises how sinister Heathcliff is. You can tell Nelly Dean enjoys storytelling. She has a tone of suspense and mystery, keeping Lockwood's and the reader's attention.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would give it a full five stars. It was the only novel written by Emily Brontë, who wrote some poetry, but died young. I would recommend the book to readers fourteen plus.