In the classic Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte, the characters reflect passion and hate in the two primary settings of the plot. The tumultuous Earnshaws and their extended family inhabit the stormy household of Wuthering Heights. As opposed to the latter, the Lintons and their family occupy the rational Thrushcross Grange. Through obvious symbolism in the settings of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, Bronte effectively contrasts the characters" personalities and lives. .
The geographical setting of Wuthering Heights sets the stage for conflict. Wuthering, the title of the estate, describes "the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather"(2). Mr. Lockwood, one of two narrators, comments on the "pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times . . . the power of the north wind blowing over the edge" (2). After gathering his first impressions of the house, Mr. Lockwood observes "the architect [of Wuthering Heights] had foresight to build it strong; the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones" (2). The structure of the house is very dark as well as the land surrounding it. Lockwood experiences one "dark night coming down prematurely, and sky and hills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocating snow" (12). The gloom of Wuthering Heights suggests unhappiness and pain. Consequently, the setting is not the only contributor to the suffering; the inhabitants themselves are dark and stormy. .
Heathcliff's coarse manner of treating those around him reflects the setting of his home, Wuthering Heights. He discourages offering help to Mr. Lockwood, whose departure was delayed by snow, quipping, " " I wonder you should select the thick of a snow-storm to ramble about in""(9) and scolds him for trying to find his own way to the Heights. Upon his first visit to the Heights, Lockwood observes the plain apartment and its furnishings, thinking they resemble those of a common farmer.
