Figurative language is a tool used by writers to enhance their writing and the experience of the reader. In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte often uses figurative language to describe the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. Since their relationship is so complicated and multi-faceted, the reader often needs a metaphor or imagery to help define the boundaries and issues.
Both Heathcliff and Catherine believe that the love the share cannot be rivaled by any other person. They use nature imagery and metaphors to communicate the power of their love.
In chapter 14, Heathcliff tells Nelly that "[Edgar] couldn't love as much in eighty years as [he] could in a day." (Bronte 151) He then continues to use images of nature to describe why it is Edgar cannot love her like he can. He states, "Catherine has a heart as deep as I have; the sea could be as readily contained in that horse-trough, as her whole affection be monopolized by him." (Bronte 151) He uses the image of the entire sea fitting in a horse-trough paralleling all of Catherine's love going to Edgar. He goes on to say that "[Edgar] might as well plant an oak in a flower pot, and expect it to thrive, as imagine he can restore [Catherine] to her vigor in the soil of his shallow cares!" (Bronte 155) He uses the metaphor of the great Oak in a tiny flower pot to show that Catherine's soul and heart is too great for a man like Edgar to keep hold of. Bronte allows her characters to use nature imagery to capture the scope of their love.
Catherine also uses nature metaphors to express her feelings for Heathcliff. In conversation with Nelly she states, "My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath [the earth] - a source of little visible delight, but necessary" (84). Bronte uses nature imagery to communicate the feelings between Heathcliff and Catherine.
By using references to nature, the reader is able to clearly understand what each character means to the other.
The question remains, does figurative language help the reader understand connections better, or does it simply confuse?
Both Heathcliff and Catherine believe that the love the share cannot be rivaled by any other person. They use nature imagery and metaphors to communicate the power of their love.
In chapter 14, Heathcliff tells Nelly that "[Edgar] couldn't love as much in eighty years as [he] could in a day." (Bronte 151) He then continues to use images of nature to describe why it is Edgar cannot love her like he can. He states, "Catherine has a heart as deep as I have; the sea could be as readily contained in that horse-trough, as her whole affection be monopolized by him." (Bronte 151) He uses the image of the entire sea fitting in a horse-trough paralleling all of Catherine's love going to Edgar. He goes on to say that "[Edgar] might as well plant an oak in a flower pot, and expect it to thrive, as imagine he can restore [Catherine] to her vigor in the soil of his shallow cares!" (Bronte 155) He uses the metaphor of the great Oak in a tiny flower pot to show that Catherine's soul and heart is too great for a man like Edgar to keep hold of. Bronte allows her characters to use nature imagery to capture the scope of their love.
Catherine also uses nature metaphors to express her feelings for Heathcliff. In conversation with Nelly she states, "My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath [the earth] - a source of little visible delight, but necessary" (84). Bronte uses nature imagery to communicate the feelings between Heathcliff and Catherine.
By using references to nature, the reader is able to clearly understand what each character means to the other.
The question remains, does figurative language help the reader understand connections better, or does it simply confuse?