Margot Robbie stars in a new film of Wuthering Heights but does the gothic tale of passion and revenge set young people up for heartbreak and pain?
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the remake of ‘Wuthering Heights’
Wuthering Heights is many things – a study in generational abuse and trauma, a revenge saga, social commentary, an exploration of women’s lack of rights, even an early exploration of non-binarism – but somehow, what we have taken from it is a love story. Which is weird, and toxic, given the actions of the so-called “lovers” within it.
There is absolutely nothing gentle or self-sacrificing or supportive about the love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff (who never gets any second name). This is not love that is “patient”, nor “kind”, as the Bible describes it. Nor is it Shakespeare’s version, in Sonnet 37 – “Look what is best, that best I wish in thee.”