Wuthering Heights Ending: Hope or Sadness?

The book Wuthering Heights ends with Heathcliff's death and a planned marriage for the younger generation. Some see hope, while others find the ending sad or strange after all the earlier problems.
By Newsroom | Literature, Book Reviews |

The conclusion of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights remains a subject of considerable discussion, prompting varied interpretations of its ultimate meaning and suitability. The novel's trajectory, marked by intense passion and destructive revenge, culminates in events that some find a surprising departure from its earlier tone, while others perceive a sense of closure and even hope.

Narrative Trajectory and Final Scenes

Wuthering Heights chronicles the tumultuous lives of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose profound and often destructive bond drives much of the narrative. Heathcliff's path is set towards revenge after Catherine's marriage to Edgar Linton. This quest for retribution sees him systematically target the Linton and Earnshaw families, causing widespread suffering.

The novel concludes with Heathcliff's death under circumstances described as mysterious. Concurrent with his demise, a marriage is planned between Cathy Linton (Catherine and Edgar's daughter) and Hareton Earnshaw (Hindley Earnshaw's son). The final scenes often depict the observer Lockwood leaving Wuthering Heights for Thrushcross Grange, reflecting on the union of the younger generation and Heathcliff's burial alongside Catherine and Edgar.

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  • Heathcliff's Burial: Heathcliff is interred beside Catherine and Edgar.

  • Rumors of Ghosts: There are reports of Heathcliff's ghost being seen on the moors.

  • Future Union: Cathy Linton and Hareton Earnshaw are engaged to marry and intend to move to the Grange.

  • Observer's Departure: Lockwood departs Wuthering Heights, viewing the events with a sense of closure.

Diverse Interpretations of the Ending

The ending elicits differing perspectives on whether it provides resolution, a softened continuation, or a dissonant conclusion to the novel's pervasive darkness.

Wuthering Heights: Which is the right ending? - 1

A Glimpse of Hope

For some, the union of Cathy Linton and Hareton Earnshaw represents a positive turn, offering a contrast to the destructive relationships that preceded it. This outcome is seen as a form of muted redemption.

  • The younger Cathy and Hareton are engaged, signifying a potential for a healthier relationship.

  • Their planned move to Thrushcross Grange suggests a departure from the intensity of Wuthering Heights.

  • From a traditional viewpoint, Heathcliff's burial and reported spectral presence may indicate a peace found in death that eluded him in life.

Unsettling Departures from Earlier Themes

Conversely, a significant line of thought suggests the ending feels incongruous with the preceding brutality and intensity of the novel. This perspective questions the coherence of the narrative's resolution.

  • The apparent loss of Heathcliff's drive for revenge and subsequent death is perceived by some as too sudden or unearned.

  • The idea of a "happy ending" for the second generation is seen by some theorists as too mild a resolution following the extreme violence of the first half.

  • Questions arise whether the concluding events align with the author's initial tone and thematic concerns.

The Nature of Heathcliff and Catherine's Love

The conclusion also prompts a re-examination of the central relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, often described as intense, flawed, and ultimately destructive rather than conventionally romantic.

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  • Their love is acknowledged as possessing a powerful, enduring quality, even surviving Catherine's death.

  • Heathcliff's actions are driven by this attachment, which is intertwined with torment and despair.

  • Some argue that while not an ideal or healthy bond, their connection was genuine and that they "belonged together."

Analysis of the Ending's Thematic Resonance

The debate over Wuthering Heights' ending centers on its ability to satisfy the emotional and thematic demands established by the novel's first half.

  • Cohesion: Critics note a perceived shift in authorial voice, with some even suggesting the latter half might be the work of a different hand. Does the resolution adequately tie up the profound emotional entanglements?

  • Redemption: The "muted redemption" offered through the younger couple is contrasted with the sheer force of the earlier characters' actions. Is this sufficient given the depth of the preceding trauma?

  • Romance vs. Intensity: While often labeled a romance, the novel's core relationship is more accurately described by its raw intensity and destructive power. The ending's potential for hope is therefore weighed against this complex depiction of love.

Conclusion

The conclusion of Wuthering Heights presents a deliberate juxtaposition of past turmoil and future possibility. Heathcliff's death and burial mark the end of his vengeful reign. The engagement of Cathy Linton and Hareton Earnshaw offers a potential for a more stable future, contrasting sharply with the destructive passions of their predecessors.

  • Findings: The ending provides closure for the main characters, albeit with lingering questions about Heathcliff's final state and the true nature of his reunion with Catherine, perhaps only in spectral form. The younger generation's union is presented as a hopeful counterpoint to the previous generation's suffering.

  • Implications: The ending invites readers to consider themes of forgiveness, the cyclical nature of abuse, and the possibility of breaking destructive patterns. It offers a form of resolution that is not without ambiguity.

  • Next Steps: Ongoing analysis of reader and critical responses highlights the enduring debate over whether the ending represents a satisfying conclusion or a narrative compromise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Wuthering Heights end?
Heathcliff dies, and the younger Cathy and Hareton plan to get married. The story ends with a sense of quiet after much trouble.
Q: Is the ending of Wuthering Heights happy?
Some people think it is happy because the new couple might have a better life. Others feel it is sad because of all the pain in the story.
Q: What happens to Heathcliff at the end?
Heathcliff dies. Some people say they see his ghost. He is buried next to Catherine and Edgar.
Q: Why do people argue about the ending?
The book has a lot of dark and angry parts. The ending seems calmer, and people wonder if it fits the rest of the story or if it offers a real chance for things to get better.