English Classic Literature Questions Long
In Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights', the concept of the 'unreliable narrator' is prominently portrayed through the character of Lockwood, who serves as the primary narrator of the story. An unreliable narrator is a literary device where the narrator's credibility and truthfulness are questionable, leading the readers to question the accuracy and reliability of the events and information presented.
Lockwood's unreliability as a narrator is evident from the beginning of the novel. As an outsider, he is unfamiliar with the history and dynamics of the characters and their relationships. Lockwood's initial impressions of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange are often misguided and biased, as he tends to make hasty judgments based on his limited understanding.
Furthermore, Lockwood's own personal biases and emotions further contribute to his unreliability. He is often portrayed as a detached and aloof character, prone to making assumptions and misinterpreting the actions and motives of others. Lockwood's lack of empathy and understanding leads him to misread the complex emotions and motivations of the characters, resulting in a distorted portrayal of events.
One example of Lockwood's unreliability is his encounter with Catherine's ghost. Lockwood's rational and skeptical nature leads him to dismiss the supernatural elements of the story, attributing the ghostly encounter to a mere dream or hallucination. This dismissal of the supernatural aspects of the narrative undermines the reader's ability to fully comprehend the mystical and haunting atmosphere of the novel.
Additionally, Lockwood's limited perspective and inability to fully grasp the complexities of the characters' emotions and motivations further contribute to his unreliability. He often fails to understand the depth of Heathcliff's love for Catherine and his vengeful nature, leading to a skewed portrayal of Heathcliff's actions and motivations.
Overall, the concept of the 'unreliable narrator' in 'Wuthering Heights' is exemplified through Lockwood's limited understanding, biased judgments, and dismissive attitude towards the supernatural elements of the story. Through his unreliability, Bronte challenges the readers to question the truthfulness and accuracy of the events presented, encouraging a deeper analysis of the characters and their motivations.