Wuthering Heights according to feminist and marxist criticism?

Answer 1

A feminist critic would argue that most of Wuthering Heights if founded on the oppression that women in this era suffered. Catherine is an example of a character greatly exploited by the in built male ideologies present in her society. She is left to make a tireless decision between Edgar and Heatchliff, and in both their eyes she is a mere symbol of love.

Answer 2

In the story, Catherine is depicted as wild, although by today's standards, her personality may be considered more lively or rambunctious than uncontrollable. Her relationship with Heathcliff would, by most be considered good and healthy until the expectations of society ruin it. Catherine, though in love with Heathcliff, feels she cannot marry him because of his position. She instead marries Edgar Linton, and her relationship with Heathcliff becomes potent. The main tie in to feminism would be that without the burdens placed on women by society, Catherine could have lived happily with Heathcliff. To further emphasize this point, when Catherine's daughter Cathy is in a similar position as her mother, except having been lowered in social status, she is able to marry Hareton for love.

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Feminism can be seen in the character of Iabella Linton, The steps she takes to get away from Heathcliffs cruelty and unjust behaviour can be seen as remarkable for a woman in that period as fleeing an unhappy marriage was illeagal and she could risk being captured and punished by the law. She also refused to be known under the name Iabella Heathcliff and when aked by the inhabinent of wuthering heights what is your name she replies "I was Isabella Linton" she relises the consquence of her mistake she has made by marrying Heathcliff. She is also disowned by her brother Edgar "I am sorry to have lost her" after her marriage. This makes Isabellas decision to leave heathcliff seem even more admirable to readers today as she is going out to society with no social status and posibility and at that time would have taken a lot of courage as she would also have been shunned by society.

There is no doubt that the female characters are treated like victims however they do not act like victims and try and overcome there sitation.

The young Cathy is another character that I feel show feminist qualities, she does not allow herself to be victimised by heathcliff and stands up to him

"Mr Heathcliff, you have nobody to love you, and however miserable you make us, we shall still have the revenge of thinking that your cruelty rises from your greater misery"

These words protray Cathy in the light of a strong and spirited character.

Catherine Earnshaw in many repects can be seen as the only character that does not show feminist qualities as she succumbs to societies expectations confirming to Nelly it would "degrade me to marry Heathcliff"

As readers today we find it astonishing that somebody who has such a passionat transcending love for another person could marry another man just t have the atisfaction of social status and wealth. And as reader we are almost horrfied by the contraints 19th century society placed on woman.