While searching through my streaming Netflix options the other day, I found a new Masterpiece Theater version of Wuthering Heights, one of my favorite books. I immediately put it in my queue and settled in to watch Heathcliff and Catherine behave badly. The movie reminded me how much I love the book and I got out my highlighted, margin written, dog eared copy to read my favorite scenes.
In doing so, I was reminded that even though I LOVE Wuthering Heights, my BFF, Amazing Ashley, HATES it. As long time blog readers know, Amazing Ashley is an English Lit. professor. Our tastes in books run parallel 99% of the time. Wuthering Heights is the one book we disagree on. Ashley is not a fan of how awful the characters are to each other, and despises the fact that most people misinterpret the book as a great love story.
I, on the other hand, think it's absolutely a love story--one laced with a potent combination of jealousy, revenge, and hatred. Catherine and Heathcliff's actions are deplorable. They are so horrible to each other and the people around them that they can't be anything but soul mates. They are the only two people who truly understand each other. I also love the characterization and dialogue, as well as the strong emotions the characters and story provoke. There are some scenes between Heathcliff and Catherine that are so heated, you don't know whether anger, love, lust, or a combination of all three is driving the scene.
I applaud any book that makes people question what they believe, and Wuthering Heights crossed lines that both invigorated and infuriated people. Emily Brontë wrote one novel before she died. Wuthering Heights was originally published under the male pen name, Ellis Bell. It caused an uproar in England for it's immoral themes and became even more scandalous when people found out it was actually written by a woman who was the daughter of a vicar. In fact, the first time I read it, I remember thinking repeatedly: Holy 1800s! How did Brontë get away with that? Yes, it was shocking at the time, and to an extent, it's even shocking now. Yet, Wuthering Heights still remains one of the most popular books of all time and it's never been out of print.
My Wuthering Heights disagreement with Amazing Ashley made me wonder about books that have been divisive in other people's lives. So, here's my question: What books do you love/hate that friends, family, or the general public disagree with you on?
I have yet to read it, but I managed to pick up a copy recently.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre. I have never understood the appeal (both the Jensens and my sister and mother swear by this book). She's boring for much of the time and stupid for a huge moor-walking time. I also don't like being hit over the head with a moral. (And honestly, think he was totally in the right to want to find and consummate true love). It annoys me. That being said, I've heard the new movie is incredible, even for those who dislike the book.
ReplyDeleteI have to say Twilight. Though millions love it(I'm one of them), there are even more who don't. Great post!
ReplyDeleteEmily-I admit, I've never read Jane Eyre. *cringe* It's been sitting in my to-read pile for years, I've just never gotten around to it. However, since posting this blog, you're the third person to tell me they don't like Jane Eyre. So, I'll be moving it to the top of my to-read pile. I'll let you know what I think. :) I've heard the movie is amazing too and think I'll watch it after I read the book.
ReplyDeleteShain-You'll have to let me know what you think!
ReplyDeleteJamie-The thing that I think is really interesting about Twilight is how many people loved the series at first, and then changed their minds later. I always like to hear the different reasons for the opinion change. But, clearly, there are still millions of people who love the Twilight saga, and despite opinions one way or another, I'm thrilled with any book that gets people to read. :)
I feel the same way about books. If someone picks up a book and reads it and loves it, then how can that be bad? Reading is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI still need to read Wuthering Heights. Guess I'll pull out my copy and get to it!
ReplyDeleteCatherine-You'll have to let me know what you think! :)
ReplyDelete