Wuthering Heights and Romantic Ascent
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Martha Nussbaum describes the romantic ascent of various characters in Wuthering Heights through a philosophical Christian view. She begins by describing Catherine as a lost soul searching for heaven, while in reality she longs for the love of Heathcliff. Nussbaum continues by comparing Heathcliff as the opposition of the ascent from which the Linton’s hold sacred within their Christian beliefs. Nussbaum makes use of the notion that the Christian belief in Wuthering Heights is both degenerate and way to exclude social classes.
To begin Catherine attempts to find heaven as way to soothe her emotion, but discovers her heart belongs to something else. That something else is Heathcliff, who also finds life on earth a tortuous and difficult existence, which fuels his anger toward everything he meets. They both recognize that the Christian ascent will not bring them redemption from their lives, so only in the world they now live will comfort be found. However the paradox continues because their love cannot ascend to its ultimate form, as each will refuse their love by the social desires of the time.
Nussbaum also establishes a conflict between the fundamental Christian world of the Lintons, and the chaotic world of Heathcliff. The distinction is clearly drawn as a virtuous and companionate world in which the Linton’s live, while Heathcliff is drawn to immoral and devious actions. The author does not however see it this simple. The superficial piteous world is in fact shadowed by a shallow a fake ideal of life. Even Catherine realizes the forged environment in which the Linton’s live, as she explains, “in whichever place the soul lives. In my soul and in my heart, I’m convinced I’m wrong.” Even though Heathcliff is portrayed as a demonic figure,