The Hill of Howling Winds: Emily Bronte's book summary

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

At first, O The Hill of Howling Winds It sounds like a beautiful love story that could possibly have a happy ending, but in fact, in the course of the plot twists and turns occur, between good guys and bad guys has a tragic and sad end.

In short, the book tells the story of a boy adopted by the Earnshaw family, who is then given the name Heathcliff. In the English society of the time, the year 1801, there is great prejudice against this adoption, including from his own affectionate brother, Hindley.

As in a meeting of souls, Catherine and Heathcliff live in deep love, which only increases over the years, but as they grow older, they end up taking different paths, resulting in terrible events.

The Hill of Howling Winds, by Emily Bronte

Although the plot develops between Catherine and Heathcliff, the richness of the other characters makes the story deeper and more engaging, so you won't get lost in the amazing world of The Howling Winds, keep up with everything by viewing this family tree :

The Hill of Howling Winds

At the center of the story are Heathcliff and Catherine, who have a bond beyond life, which lies between the extremes of love and obsession. Heathcliff, that poor, humiliated boy, becomes a a man overcome by revenge and hatred .

Especially when her love marries another man, Edgar Linton, the consequences for all the characters are irreparable, causing them to follow tortuous and cruel paths.

About the author Emily Brontë

The author of The Hill of Howling Winds, Emily Brontë (1818-1948), the daughter of a priest, was born and raised in a remote part of England. Emily barely left the house, devoting herself to household chores and studies.

She never married and died at the age of 30, but before that, in 1847, she published the first edition of her work Howling Winds.

Published in the midst of the Victorian era, the work caused a shock to society The story caused outrage in the so-called civilized English society, but in its next editions, the work came to be considered one of the greatest classics in literature.

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Summary of The Hill of Howling Winds

The story is narrated by housekeeper Nelly Dean and takes place in a small rural area of England, in the home of the Earnshaw family. In 1801, Mr. Earnshaw, adopt a boy, homeless Now Catherine and Hindley had a new brother, Heathcliff.

However, Hindley rejects her foster brother Heathcliff, making them enemies from start to finish. Soon after, something surprising happens, the affectionate brothers fall in love. However, with the death of their father, Mr. Earnshaw, Hindley takes over the house and does everything she can to separate them.

In view of the social dictates of the time, marriage solely for love was unlikely, so Catherine marries Edgar Linton, the moment when everything falls apart To be able to summarize the whole story and arouse your curiosity for reading, let's learn more about the main characters.

Main characters in the book The Howling Winds

Heathcliff

As we mentioned earlier, Heathcliff is one of the main characters in The Hill of Howling Winds. With a history of abuse and abandonment, his life changes when he is adopted by Mr. Hareton Earnshaw. When, almost immediately, falls in love with his affectionate sister Catherine .

Learning of his beloved's engagement, he disappears for years. When he returns, he is a wealthy man seeking revenge, but still cannot arrive in time, for Catherine has just married Edgar, and soon after she is pregnant and very ill.

As a result, filled with much hatred, he ruins the lives of everyone around him, and also in future generations. His Vengeful Saga Begins running away and marrying Edgar's sister, Isabella Linton.

However, his feeling of revenge is strengthened when his beloved Catherine passes away. Then, unable to bear his pain, he commits suicide.

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Catherine Earnshaw

At The Hill of Howling Winds the girl in love with Heathcliff does not accept to run away So she accepts an arranged marriage to Edgar Linton, but this is a recipe for disaster, for she never gets over her love, and so awakens feelings of regret, despair, and obsession.

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In the plot, Heathcliff disappears in two periods:

  • 1st: upon learning of her engagement to Edgar, staying away for 3 years;
  • 2nd: after his marriage, when he ran away and married Isabella Linton.

In this sense, in his second return, the the result was even more catastrophic Catherine dies in labor, but her daughter Catherine Linton survives, and her death drives her beloved Heathcliff to the brink of madness, awakening in him a sadistic and bitter man.

Hareton Earnshaw

Catherine's biological brother quickly goes from glory to ruin. Soon after his father's death, he inherits the fortune and takes over the business. Marrying Frances, he finds himself destroyed when his beloved dies while giving birth to Hareton Earnshaw.

If you got a little confused, go back to the Family Tree in the image above and you will understand.

Catherine Linton

Finally the balance of the family is restored in The Hill of Howling Winds She was married to Catherine Linton, the child of Catherine Earnshaw and Edgar Linton, even though she passed through the vengeful clutches of Heathcliff, then her uncle, the young woman manages to have a happy ending .

Basically, Catherine Linton married Heathcliff's son, named Linton Heathcliff, but with poor health, the young man quickly dies.

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Soon after, Catherine Linton gives in to the charms of Hareton Earnshaw - remember him? So at the end of the story, ending the cycle of family tragedy, the young people get married.

The story of Howling Winds and the Theory of Psychoanalysis

In this sense, it is worth understanding the aspects of the human condition of the characters in The Hill of Howling Winds Thus, the theory of psychoanalysis Freudian is observed in the relationship between Heathcliff, Catherine and Edgar, through the id, ego and superego .

For those who love a literary novel, they will possibly love this work, especially the psychological aspects of the characters, which break the limits of what is acceptable. Between love, revenge, suffering, and selfishness, the work shows the disasters that these feelings can bring about.

So, you liked the story and want to know more about human behavior? Check out our training course in Psychoanalysis.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.