Abstract

Emily Bronte is a famous poetess and novelist in Britain in the 19th century. Wuthering Heights is her only novel, which tells a story about love and revenge. Since its publication in 1847, it has been a focus for critical attention. The protagonist Heathcliff is an orphan brought up by Mr. Earnshaw. He falls in love with Catherine Earnshaw, but decides to leave home because of Hindley’s abuse and love failure with Catherine. Several years later, he comes back with a large fortune, but he finds Catherine has become Edgar’s wife. He is so annoyed that he begins to revenge Hindley, Catherine, Edgar and their children. This novel establishes Emily’s position in the literary world.

Wuthering Heights is a novel full of symbols: the desolate surroundings, the thrilling dreams, and the seemingly disordered narration. Everything seems to be symbolic in Wuthering Heights. This unique charm deeply attracts the readers, leaving much room for interpretation. And the thesis mainly discusses the symbols and their contribution to the enhancement of the theme---the distortion and restoration of humanity. The symbols are classified into three categories here: the symbolic scenes and objects, the symbolic characters and the symbolic structure and plot. It is hoped that through this thesis readers can have a better understanding of this classic novel.

Key words:  symbolic features  Wuthering Heights  Emily Bronte  theme

Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Emily Bronte-1

1.2 Introduction to Wuthering Heights-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Symbolism in Literature-4

2.1 Definition of Symbols-4

2.2 Definition and Significance of Symbolism-4

Chapter Three Analysis of Symbolism in the Novel-6

3.1 The Symbolic Scenes and Objects-6

3.1.1 Symbolic Scenes-6

3.1.2 Symbolic Objects-7

3.2 The Symbolic Characters-8

3.2.1 Heathcliff-8

3.2.2 Catherine-9

3.2.3 Other Characters-10

3.3 The Symbolic Structure and plot-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13