Chapter Sample Questions of Wuthering Heights - Study Guide by The Bronte Sisters

• Consider the religious imagery in the novel. Heathcliff is paralleled with the devil and Edgar and Isabella with Adam and Eve. Bronte’s more sympathetic rendering of Heathcliff suggests that she is undermining organized religion. But does this imply that Wuthering Heights is irreligious?
• With conventional religion under stress, importance is placed on the notion of individual, personal faith that is expressed in interaction with others. Thus, the faith shown by Heathcliff to Cathy’s memory is far superior to Joseph’s hollow proclamations of religious faith. Significantly, this contrast is introduced at the beginning of the novel when Lockwood’s dream about the unforgiving Joseph is capped by Heathcliff’s vital grief.
• Rather than being irreligious, Wuthering Heights is instead depicting a displaced religion. The elements that form its core are all present: spirituality, faith, the importance of forgiveness and compassion. It is only because they are not shown by the proclaimed voice of proper religion that the novel is deemed irreligious. Bronte shows superior and base sentiments in conflict, making for a more real and inspirational work.