‘I cannot look down to this floor, but her features are shaped in the flags! In every cloud, in every tree—filling the air at night, and caught by glimpses in every object by day—I am surrounded with her image! The most ordinary faces of men and women—my own features—mock me with a resemblance. The entire world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist, and that I have lost her!’ Wuthering Heights, Chapter 33.
Since its publication in 1847, Wuthering Heights has shocked and captivated generations of readers with its dark themes of obsessive passion and vengeance on the wild Yorkshire moors.
In this episode, historical novelist Essie Fox joins us to talk about her love for Emily Brontë’s classic novel and its role in her own Victorian Gothic-inspired writing.
At the beginning of the episode, Essie introduces us to her forthcoming novel, Dangerous, a Byronic tale of vampirism and mystery.
She shares her fascinating research into Lord Byron’s life and the challenges she faced in weaving together biographical details with imagined events.
Essie tells us about her early introduction to the characters of Cathy and Heathcliff, and their portrayal in popular culture. We go on to discuss Emily Brontë’s treatment of class, isolation and childhood trauma, and the layers of mystery built into the unique structure of Wuthering Heights.
Nelly Dean’s role as character and narrator raises questions for us as we chat – can she really be trusted? And is there a ghost, or do troubled minds create their own spectres?
Come with us to the windswept moors!
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