Sample questions on Wuthering Heights

1. ‘The Gothic elements of Wuthering Heights are made credible by the ordinariness of the narrators.’ How far would you agree with this view?
    
2. Discuss the ways in which Emily Brontë uses the different locations in Wuthering Heights in order to emphasise the themes of the novel.
    
3. ‘Gothic literature is concerned with the breaking down of barriers and boundaries.’ How far do you think this statement is true of Wuthering Heights?
    
4. How does Emily Brontë make use of weather and the natural world in the novel?
    
5. Charlotte Brontë described Heathcliff as a ‘man’s shape animated by demon life - a ghoul’. To what extent do you think this is an accurate assessment of the ways in which Heathcliff is presented in the novel?
    
6. ‘She was at that time a charming young lady of eighteen; infantile in manners, though possessed of keen wit, keen feelings, and a keen temper, too, if irritated.’ Is this a satisfactory description of Isabella? What uses does Brontë make of her in the novel?
    
7. A critic has said: ‘The ending of Wuthering Heights is deliberately ambiguous. Evidence is provided for at least two points of view: that Heathcliff and Catherine are now peacefully asleep, or that they ‘walk’ the moors.’ Comment on this view, referring to at least two other passages in the novel as well as the ending in detail.
    
8. ‘Relationships between fathers and children are key to understanding Wuthering Heights.’ How far do you agree with this assertion?
    
9. ‘Wuthering Heights gives an entirely negative view of marriage.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
    
10. How far does Wuthering Heights fit the traditional pattern of a tragedy?

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