How does Bronte use the character of Lockwood to introduce the reader to the landscapes and characters in Wuthering heights? How effective is this narrator in opening the novel?
...al as opposed to a conventional family property. Verbs such as ‘slant, jutting, stunted’ when taking into account the physical qualities of a house portray to the reader a negative image of harsh, cold conditions. The verb ‘slant’, seems to symbolise that all is not quite right within Wuthering heights. This is similar within horror films. Camera angles are often at a slight angle or marginally tilted to create the effect of something being not quite right, the viewer subconsciously acknowledges this and apprehends abnormality. Again further on, the description of the interior of weathering heights provided by Lockwood leads the reader to believe something else is different about the house. In the kitchen there were “no signs of boiling, baking, roasting”. Lockwood comments in further detail on the appearance of Heathcliff. Beyond first impressions, Bronte uses the character of Lockwood, a suspicious young man, to delve deeper into the true identity of Heathcliff. Lockwood quotes “ He is a dark skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman…” This quotation is part of the second paragraph on page 5. The second paragraph is comprised solely of one complex sentence. I think the complex sentence within Lockwood’s narration, emphasise the realisation of Lockwood towards Heathcliffs character. Lockwood figures that Heathcliff is, in essence, a complex character, and this feeling is represented by an ongoing need to keep talking about this high maintenance individual: the result being a complex sentence full of admiration for Heathcliff. I believe the almost ‘fondness’ Lockwood portrays towards Heathcliff derives from the fact that he feels a certain similarity with the ‘capital fellow’. E.g. “I have a sympathetic chord”. Here, Bronte allows Lockwood to become a more useful narrator as he is starting to psycho-analyse the individual characters, and again due to him being of no real importance to the family inhabiting Wuthering heights, can express his judgements and opinions without fear of causing offence. As a result the reader learns more about the characters. Chapter 2 brings the description of Cathy 2 by Lockwood. It is obvious to see that by the narrator is somewhat overwhelmed by her beauty and expresses this with adjectives such as ‘exquisite’ and ‘delicate’ when describing how Cathy’s hair falls on her neck. Lockwood feels she is a model of beauty but is glad she has a dire attitude or his ‘susceptible’ heart may desire her. “…and eyes - had they been agreeable in expression, they would have been irresistible…” Lockwood encounters a verbal battle between Joseph and Cathy 2. Josephs speech is written phonetically to reflect his dialect, which is a broad Yorkshire accent. Lockwood witnesses Joseph speak and claims “…in cracked tones, grated out…” By Lockwood using these significant terms cracked and grated reflect Josephs age and portray this to the reader. Josephs speech is a verbal attack on Cathy 2. Elements of Josephs speech lead the reader to believe there was ’bad blood’ between Joseph and the late Cathy 1. e.g. “…bud goa raight tuh t’ divil, like yer mother afore yer!…” After Joseph speaks, Lockwood immediately presumes this attacked was directed at him. He responds comically by stating “…sufficiently enraged, stepped towards the aged rascal with an intention of kicking him out the door…” By using the term ‘aged rascal’, I believe this shows Lockwood contained no real malice towards the old man, and possibly found what the bitter old fellow just said, quite humorous. The noun rascal usually refers to someone who is somewhat mischievous, not necessarily nasty. However, Cathy 2 responds hastily with, “you scandalous old hypocrite” - at which point Lockwood realises the attack was not focused upon himself. Cathy 2 speaks in response to Josephs attack, drolly belittling the old chap. “are you not afraid of being carried away bodily, whenever you mention the devil’s name?” here I think the aim is to embarrass vulnerable Joseph. Cathy 2 goes on to claim she would “ask your abduction as a special favour”. Again Cathy humours Joseph by simply playing along with his accusation. She removes a dark book from the shelf, “…the red cow didn’t die by chance; and your rheumatism can hardly be reckoned among providential visitations!…” Joseph however, seemingly not recognising the mocking tone in Cathy’s voice exclaims “ Oh, wicked, wicked!…..may the Lord deliver us from evil!”. I think this exclamatory signifies Joseph attempting to redeem himself but not daring to retaliate with more verbal abuse, merely commenting with an angry tone. After the dual between Joseph and Cathy 2, the narrator uses a metaphor ‘the little witch’ when describing Cathy. I feel this shows he was amused by the event and admired Cathy for such retaliation. The phrase ’little witch’ seems to have an air of innocence about it, which the narrator feels Cathy portrays - he earlier described her as being ‘scarcely past girlhood’. Lockwood is the narrator throughout the first three chapters, used prominently to introduce the reader to the landscapes and characters of Wuthering heights. However, the beginning of chapter 4 brings the second narrator in the novel, the housekeeper at Thrushcross grange, Nelly Dean. Th...