Wuthering Heights

         What do I think of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte? The book itself isn't so bad, but the characters in it are soooooo annoying. All these messed up lovers who have serious social issues, uggh. It just sickens me! Heathcliff is horrible enough to marry Ms. Linton, whom he doesn't love, but she loves him- thinking that he's a totally different person. Mrs. Catherine Linton (who married Ms. Linton's brother which is why they have the same last name) is downright cruel. She treats others disrespectfully to humor herself, and during her childhood she would laugh if someone asked her to apologize. The characters names are even confusing and annoying! So far there are two different Catherine's (but one was married and her last name changed) two or three male names that start with "H" and Nelly as the storyteller and young friend. It's a bit difficult to keep track.
   The setting has been  very important in the novel. When Isabella Linton agrees to marry Heathcliff, they go to Wuthering Heights (which is only around three miles away from their original home). Most homes and farms are a couple of miles apart so this journey really wasn't so far. Also, because of the time frame in this novel, marriage is a very serious thing so usually if you are married, you can't get a divorce. This is why "love" is such a serious conflict in the novel, you don't exactly want to marry quick and hope the spouse will suit you eventually, you want to find someone who is right for you and won't drive you into poverty over time.
    I don't think I've ever read a romantic book before so Wuthering Heights is really different and kind-of a challenge for me. Normally I try to pick an action or mystery novel, but this time I decided to try something new. The closest book to this one is probably To Kill A Mockingbird because it has about the same laws of society. Women wear dresses, slaves or servants work in the fields while women prepare teaparties and meals. The main difference between the two would be the distance between houses (from across the street Miss Maudie's to three miles away Heathcliff and Isabella).
   I think for the project I'll either make a painting or create a movie on a scene in the book.