The happenings in the given excerpt from Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë, bring about an important turn in the action of the novel.
It first describes a scene in Catherine Linton`s room at Thrushcross Grange. After a quarrel between Heathcliff, Edgar Linton and Catherine, Catherine drives herself extremely mad to the point where she becomes mentally and physically ill. Nelly Dean is the narrator of the passage, she both observes and is involved in the action herself. As she witnesses how helpless Edgar Linton is – uncertain of what to think or do for his wife, Nelly calls the doctor in the village.
As Nelly passes the garden to reach the road, she makes a terrifying discovery: Isabella Linton`s springer Fanny is hung on a bridle hook, almost “at its last gasp” (Brontë 1847: 144). Nelly releases Fanny, wondering who was capable of committing such a crime, and as she sets off to reach the doctor, she hears horses galloping in the distance.
Both the dog itself and the action of its hanging have a symbolic meaning. That the dog is a symbol reflecting Isabella Linton and that Fanny`s hanging represents Heathcliff`s diabolical hate and brutality, shall be focused on in my essay through having a closer look at the characters of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff and by interpreting the given excerpt. I will start by analysing the role of Nelly Dean before moving on to symbolism and the function the excerpt has in the frame of the whole story.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Function of Nelly Dean and the Dog in chapter 12 in Wuthering Heights
- Nelly Dean
- Symbolism
- The Function of the Excerpt in the Whole Story
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the significance of Nelly Dean and the dog, Fanny, in Chapter 12 of Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights*. The essay analyzes how these elements contribute to the plot's development and symbolize key themes within the novel.
- The Role of Nelly Dean as a Narrator and Observer
- The Symbolic Significance of Dogs in *Wuthering Heights*
- The Characterization of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff
- The Theme of Revenge and Violence
- The Importance of Setting and Atmosphere
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The essay begins by analyzing the role of Nelly Dean as a narrator and observer. She provides a detailed and meticulous account of the events unfolding in the chapter, offering insights into the characters and their motivations. The essay then delves into the symbolic significance of dogs in *Wuthering Heights*. Specifically, the essay examines how the hanging of Isabella's dog, Fanny, represents Heathcliff's cruelty and Isabella's own vulnerability. It explores the connection between the dog and Isabella's character, and how this reflects her relationship with Heathcliff.
The essay continues by examining the characters of Isabella Linton and Heathcliff. It explores Isabella's character, highlighting her dependence on others and her tendency to prioritize her own needs over those of others. The essay also examines Heathcliff's passion for Catherine, which transforms into violence and hatred after she chooses to marry Edgar Linton.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this essay include: Nelly Dean, *Wuthering Heights*, symbolism, dogs, Isabella Linton, Heathcliff, revenge, violence, setting, atmosphere, narrative voice, unreliable narrator.
- Quote paper
- Beate Wilhelm (Author), 2004, The function of Nelly Dean and the Dog in chapter 12 in Wuthering Heights, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/65791
