Emily Brontë and the Gothic Genre

Blog Introduction: Emily Brontë is often recognized as one of the most influential writers of the nineteenth century. Her novel, Wuthering Heights, is one of the earliest examples of gothic literature, a genre that has been popular among readers since its conception. It is considered one of the greatest works of English fiction ever written. Wuthering Heights has heavily influenced my writing, and as you’ll see in upcoming books in the Grimm Cove series world, it made a lasting impression on me.

Let’s take a look at some of the elements of gothic literature present in Brontë’s work, her influences and background, and how her novel has stood the test of time to become a classic read by many.

Gothic Literature Elements in Wuthering Heights

One element that makes up gothic literature is the presence of supernatural forces or events. This can be seen in Wuthering Heights with the ghost-like apparition that appears at times throughout the novel. Another key feature found in gothic literature is an atmosphere full of fear and dread; this can be felt throughout Wuthering Heights due to its eerie setting on a desolate moorland with foreboding characters such as Heathcliff and Catherine. Other elements include romance, violence, mental agony, and suspense, which are all present in Brontë’s masterpiece.

Influences on Emily Brontë

Emily was heavily influenced by nature due to growing up on a country estate surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping landscapes – something which she captures perfectly in her writing. She was also influenced by her own personal experiences and those around her, such as her siblings who were also authors – Charlotte being most famous for Jane Eyre – as well as friends like Anne Bronte, who wrote Agnes Grey. Emily was also known for being an avid reader from an early age which may have contributed to why she chose to write about love stories set against a backdrop of doom-laden atmospheres typical of gothic novels.

History Of Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë was born on July 30th, 1818, into a large family living near Haworth in Yorkshire, England. She lived a quiet life until 1845 when she wrote Wuthering Heights along with her sisters, Charlotte and Anne Bronte, who wrote Jane Eyre and Agnes Grey. After their success, Emily became increasingly reclusive until her death three years later, aged just 30 years old from tuberculosis – leaving behind one child who sadly died soon after his mother’s passing, too young to experience his own fame as an author’s son. The publication of Wuthering Heights established Emily’s place in literary history forevermore!

Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights is credited with being one of the earliest examples of gothic literature due to its inclusion of supernatural forces or events such as ghost-like apparitions alongside other features such as romance, violence, and suspenseful plots – all staples within any good horror story! In addition to this, it’s clear that Emily was heavily influenced by nature, being brought up within rural Yorkshire surrounded by rolling hillsides and sweeping landscapes, which she captures so beautifully in her writing alongside personal experiences with family members who were also authors like herself; making it no wonder why Wuthering Heights has stood the test time to become a classic read still enjoyed today by many readers interested in romance novels!

Sale

Wuthering Heights (Penguin Classics)

• Emily Brontë (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 416 Pages - 12/31/2002 (Publication Date) - Penguin Classics (Publisher)

$7.44

Buy on Amazon