What defines conflict? Is it perpetual? Is it an aspect of chaos? Or an opportunity for growth? Why is it often labeled as a property of evil? These are the questions that I have finally resolved with the conclusion of Wuthering Heights.
In the novel’s final pages we learn of the demise of Heathcliff, a man who’s existence is within itself the a representation of conflict’s continuity, The fact that he was an orphan instilled within him a need to oppose society’s perception of him with the acknowledgement that with perseverance “his very [weaknesses would] sharpen his wits to find a substitute to strength” – pg 273. Unfortunately his substitution was the conflict of others, and the weapon he forged through it had a second blade as a handle, which with ever use, bled him of his sanity. Soon the loss became too great for his body to compensate and he died a restless death; “with a frightful, lifelike gaze of exultation [which] would not shut //[and] [sneered] at attempts //[with] parted lips and sharp white teeth” – Pg 318. The conflict so ubiquitous in his life not only drained him of his health, but also proceeded to contort his body, almost as if it buckled under the overbearing pressure of conflict’s presence.
I have come to believe this as the essence of conflict. It’s a drug like caffeine; in small doses it gives us the strength to persevere, but in large doses we become dependant on it and it begins to rule our lives. We search daily for a fix and refuse to operate without it; all the while it undermines our independence and manipulates our priorities and actions.
Beyond analyzing the overall effect of prolonged conflict, we also observed the different forms conflict presented itself in. The traditional physical aspect was present, however as was emotional conflict. Throughout the novel we learned of Linton’s condition. His position in society is alike Heathcliff, however his sickly stature prevents him from executing physical abuse so instead he torments those around him emotionally; “Linton had that distorted nature. He’ll never let his friends be at ease, and he’ll never be at ease himself.” – Pg 243 No one was more effected by this than Catherine.
Catherine’s character began as a timid young girl curious and open to the world, however her interactions with Linton changed that. “Catherine’s face [became] just like the landscape – shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession; but the shadows rested longer, and the sunshine was more transient; and her poor little heart reproached itself for even that passing forgetfulness of its cares” – Pg 253. As apposed to making her fearful and untrusting as physical conflict would, emotional conflict changed and hardened her, which ultimately was reflected in her appearance. This has led us to believe conflict is a tool for growth, however the strength gained often undermines innocence and morality. Furthermore, conflicts lost both weaken us and undermines our moral compasses in further engagements. It is because of this that conflict acts as an aspect of chaos and darkness; despite the strengthening effect it can create.
Overall I feel this novel draws numerous parallels to society. Upon finishing the novel, I was given time to reflect upon the story as a whole. The novel connects to society on many levels; the harsher aspects of human nature, the struggles for power of varying levels we face each and every day, and even our perceptions on the former. For example, Heathcliff and satan's character in Milton's Paradise Lost are nearly identical in biography and appearance, and even more so in their reception. They also have similar derivation for their inner darkness; they both lost power in a place they once felt acceptance/in shelter; Heathcliff in the first days he was adopted, and satan in Heaven before being banished.
I believe our group has worked quite effectively overall, however we didn’t have much discussion this week due to the fact that we finished the book and had many of our questions answered. The discussion we did have was in relation to conflict and violence and was quite rich. My goal for the next lit circle is to pick on of the words to focus our discussion on before we read, as I felt it was much easier to see the examples within the text and form opinions/interpretations and build upon each other’s understandings as apposed to trying to match our discussion to a word afterwards having it.
