The happenings in the given excerpt from Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë, bring about an important turn in the action of the novel.
It first describes a scene in Catherine Linton`s room at Thrushcross Grange. After a quarrel between Heathcliff, Edgar Linton and Catherine, Catherine drives herself extremely mad to the point where she becomes mentally and physically ill. Nelly Dean is the narrator of the passage, she both observes and is involved in the action herself. As she witnesses how helpless Edgar Linton is – uncertain of what to think or do for his wife, Nelly calls the doctor in the village.
As Nelly passes the garden to reach the road, she makes a terrifying discovery: Isabella Linton`s springer Fanny is hung on a bridle hook, almost “at its last gasp” (Brontë 1847: 144). Nelly releases Fanny, wondering who was capable of committing such a crime, and as she sets off to reach the doctor, she hears horses galloping in the distance.
Both the dog itself and the action of its hanging have a symbolic meaning. That the dog is a symbol reflecting Isabella Linton and that Fanny`s hanging represents Heathcliff`s diabolical hate and brutality, shall be focused on in my essay through having a closer look at the characters of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff and by interpreting the given excerpt. I will start by analysing the role of Nelly Dean before moving on to symbolism and the function the excerpt has in the frame of the whole story.
Table of Contents
- The happenings in the given excerpt from Wuthering Heights
- Nelly Dean leads the reader through the whole passage
- The short excerpt is also filled with various symbols
- Heathcliff's passion turns into violence and immeasurable hatred at this very point
- Further symbols, of minor importance however, are the handkerchief which Heathcliff uses to hang Fanny
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes a specific excerpt from Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights*, focusing on the symbolic function of Nelly Dean and the hanging of Isabella Linton's dog, Fanny. The analysis explores the characters of Nelly Dean and Heathcliff, interpreting their actions and motivations within the context of the novel's overarching themes.
- The role of Nelly Dean as narrator and observer
- Symbolism of the dog and the act of hanging
- Character analysis of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff
- The function of the excerpt within the larger narrative of *Wuthering Heights*
- Themes of violence, hatred, and revenge
Chapter Summaries
The happenings in the given excerpt from Wuthering Heights: This section sets the scene, describing Catherine Linton's mental and physical decline following a quarrel with Heathcliff and Edgar. Nelly Dean, the narrator, observes the situation and calls for a doctor. The discovery of Isabella Linton's dog, Fanny, hanging in the garden introduces a pivotal symbolic element. The hanging foreshadows the ensuing events and highlights Heathcliff's cruelty and vengefulness. The scene is narrated meticulously by Nelly, highlighting her observational skills and involvement in the lives of the main characters. Her actions – calling for a doctor and later reporting the incident to Lockwood – demonstrate her character and role in the story.
Nelly Dean leads the reader through the whole passage: This section delves into Nelly Dean's character as a narrator. She is presented as a meticulous observer, offering subtle hints and cues to the reader. Her close involvement with the family allows her to offer insight into the characters’ motivations and relationships. The essay analyzes her actions, such as delaying the news of Isabella's disappearance to spare Edgar further distress, showcasing her caring and selfless nature despite her own developing sense of justice. Her reliability as a narrator is also questioned, as evidenced by her subjective interpretation of events.
The short excerpt is also filled with various symbols: This section focuses on the symbolism within the excerpt. The dog, Fanny, becomes a central symbol, mirroring Isabella's character and vulnerability. The act of hanging Fanny symbolizes Heathcliff's diabolical hatred and the violence that permeates Wuthering Heights. Other minor symbols, such as the handkerchief and the sound of galloping horses, reinforce the themes of violence and impending doom. The contrast between Fanny and other dogs in the novel is discussed, illustrating the different ways in which dogs function as symbolic representations of violence and cruelty within the text.
Heathcliff's passion turns into violence and immeasurable hatred at this very point: This section analyzes Heathcliff's motivations and actions. His revenge is linked to Catherine's choice to marry Edgar, highlighting the social and economic disparities that fuel his anger and cruelty. The hanging of Fanny is interpreted as a symbolic act of revenge against Catherine and a foreshadowing of further violence. This section emphasizes Heathcliff's powerlessness and his subsequent descent into cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity. The act of hanging Fanny symbolizes the introduction of evil into Thrushcross Grange.
Further symbols, of minor importance however, are the handkerchief which Heathcliff uses to hang Fanny: This section examines minor symbolic elements within the excerpt, such as the handkerchief used to hang Fanny and the sound of galloping horses. These are presented as reinforcing the themes of violence and the impending darkness that is associated with Heathcliff's arrival. The handkerchief, in particular, is analyzed as a sarcastic gesture that highlights Heathcliff's calculated cruelty and Isabella's departure. The sound of galloping horses is interpreted as a symbolic representation of the growing presence of evil and violence in the surrounding area, foreshadowing future events.
Keywords
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Nelly Dean, Heathcliff, Isabella Linton, symbolism, dog, violence, revenge, hatred, narrative voice, unreliable narrator, character analysis.
Wuthering Heights Excerpt Analysis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of an academic essay analyzing a specific excerpt from Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights*. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the symbolic function of Nelly Dean, the narrator, and the hanging of Isabella Linton's dog, Fanny, exploring themes of violence, hatred, and revenge.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay's key themes revolve around the role of Nelly Dean as narrator and observer, the symbolism of the dog and the act of hanging, character analysis of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff, the excerpt's function within the larger narrative, and the overarching themes of violence, hatred, and revenge.
What is the significance of Nelly Dean's role in the excerpt?
Nelly Dean is crucial as the narrator, providing a meticulous account of the events. The essay analyzes her actions and observations, highlighting her role as both an involved participant and a subjective interpreter of events. Her reliability as a narrator is questioned, and her actions, like delaying news to spare Edgar, are examined to understand her character and motivations.
What is the symbolic meaning of the dog, Fanny, and its hanging?
The hanging of Fanny, Isabella Linton's dog, is a central symbol. It mirrors Isabella's vulnerability and symbolizes Heathcliff's cruelty, diabolical hatred, and the violence prevalent in *Wuthering Heights*. The act foreshadows further violence and underscores Heathcliff's vengefulness.
How does Heathcliff's character manifest in this excerpt?
The excerpt reveals Heathcliff's descent into violence and immeasurable hatred, fueled by Catherine's choice to marry Edgar. The hanging of Fanny is interpreted as an act of revenge against Catherine and a foreshadowing of future acts of cruelty. His actions highlight his powerlessness and subsequent descent into brutality.
What other symbols are discussed in the analysis?
Besides Fanny's hanging, other minor symbols, such as the handkerchief used to hang the dog and the sound of galloping horses, are analyzed. These reinforce themes of violence and impending doom, further highlighting Heathcliff's calculated cruelty and foreshadowing future events.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section of the essay, detailing the specific points of analysis within each thematic area. They offer a structured presentation of the essay's arguments and findings.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords associated with this analysis include: Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Nelly Dean, Heathcliff, Isabella Linton, symbolism, dog, violence, revenge, hatred, narrative voice, unreliable narrator, and character analysis.
- Quote paper
- Beate Wilhelm (Author), 2004, The function of Nelly Dean and the Dog in chapter 12 in Wuthering Heights, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/65791
