Mr. Lockwood in Wuthering Heights
Mr. Lockwood serves as the primary narrator of Emily Brontë‘s classic novel Wuthering Heights. Through his perspective, readers are introduced to the mysterious and often tumultuous world of the novel’s setting. He arrives as a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, a man of some refinement and city upbringing, seeking peace and solitude in the Yorkshire moors. His initial curiosity leads him to visit his landlord, Heathcliff, at the nearby Wuthering Heights, where he inadvertently becomes the frame through which the story of Heathcliff, Catherine, and the residents of the Heights unfolds.
As a character, Mr. Lockwood is both a participant and observer within the story. Even though he is not directly involved in the central conflicts of Wuthering Heights, his interactions with the other characters provide the readers with a window into the complex relationships and events that have taken place. His status as an outsider allows him to relay the story without the bias that comes from being emotionally entangled in the Heights’ affairs, albeit his misunderstandings and naivety sometimes skew the narrative, offering both clarity and occasional misinterpretation to the reader. His reactions and emotions, such as his initial fascination and later discomfort, add a subjective layer to his account.
Lockwood’s role as the principal narrator also shapes the way the reader perceives the events of the novel. His detailed diaries and recounted conversations are the source from which the reader glimpses the history and character of Heathcliff and his surroundings. This narrative choice by Brontë creates a layered storytelling technique, with Lockwood’s narrative framing the main story, which is largely told in retrospect through the housekeeper Nelly Dean.
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1. Mr. Lockwood Character Analysis
Mr. Lockwood, the novel’s initial narrator and tenant of Thrushcross Grange, plays a pivotal role as an outsider providing readers with a lens to view the complex events and relationships at Wuthering Heights.
Lockwood as the Narrator
Lockwood’s role as the narrator shapes the narrative structure of Wuthering Heights. His introduction to Heathcliff and his subsequent interest in the landlord’s history initiate the storytelling. It is through Lockwood’s eyes and Nelly Dean‘s account that the reader learns about the formidable relationships among Heathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw, and the other inhabitants of the Heights and the Grange. While his outsider’s perspective is crucial, it is important to note that his naivety and misunderstandings can color the narrative and influence the reader’s perception, especially in the early stages of the story.
- Primary function: Acts as a frame narrator
- Introduces the reader to Wuthering Heights and its residents
Interactions with Other Characters
Lockwood’s interactions with the other characters, particularly Heathcliff and Nelly Dean, are instrumental in the unraveling of the story. He naively misunderstands the dynamics within Wuthering Heights initially, taking Heathcliff as a reserved gentleman and failing to grasp the depth of his passion and resentment. Through conversations with Nelly Dean, Lockwood becomes the means through which readers encounter the interwoven destinies of the Earnshaws and the Lintons, as well as the younger generation consisting of Cathy Linton, Hareton Earnshaw, and others.
- Interaction with Heathcliff: Misinterpretation of character leading to curiosity
- Communication with Nelly Dean: Recounting the main events of Heathcliff and Catherine’s lives
Lockwood’s Perspective on Events
The perspective of Lockwood on events occurring in Wuthering Heights offers a detached viewpoint. Although he is an unreliable narrator due to his lack of direct knowledge and personal biases, his character allows for an analysis of events to some extent. Lockwood’s experiences and visions, such as the ghostly encounter with Catherine’s spirit, further foreshadow and symbolize the haunting past that pervades the novel. This encounter also sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of themes like the supernatural and the past’s impact on the present.
- Ghostly encounter: Reflects on the supernatural elements intertwined with Lockwood’s real experiences
- Outsider view: Offers a relatively objective perspective on dramatic events
2. Themes and Symbolism
Mr. Lockwood serves as an intricate focal point for various themes and symbols, which explore ideas of isolation, supernatural elements, and class distinctions.
Isolation and Company
Mr. Lockwood’s experiences at Wuthering Heights bring forth the themes of isolation and the contrasting need for company. As an outsider who initially seeks solace in the solitude of the moors, he is quickly confronted with the complex social dynamics of the Heights and the Grange. His ambivalence towards the company and his curiosity about the inhabitants propel him into a world where involuntary seclusion affects characters on a profound level.
- Outsider: He is physically alone but lacks a genuine desire for social interaction.
- Curiosity: Drives him into unexpected social interactions, highlighting his lack of understanding of local customs.
Supernatural Encounters
Lockwood’s encounter with Catherine’s ghost is a critical supernatural event that emphasizes his role as an observer and participator in the story’s otherworldly aspects. The temptation to understand these supernatural occurrences ties back to his inherent curiosity and also serves to symbolically connect the living with the past.
- Ghost: Symbolizes the unresolved past and the imprint it leaves on the present.
- Temptation: Reflects his desire to comprehend the unexplainable.
Social Class and Snobbery
Social class plays a pivotal role in Mr. Lockwood’s interactions with the other characters, influencing his perceptions and judgments. His snobbish attitudes towards those of lower social standing reveal the social conventions of the era and contribute to the tension between characters. These attitudes also exacerbate his alienation and misunderstanding, further complicating his role as an outsider.
- Social Conventions: Inform his expectations and interactions.
- Snobbish: His attitude exacerbates his alienation and misunderstanding.
3. Lockwood’s Growth and Self-Reflection
The character of Mr. Lockwood transitions from an oblivious outsider to a somewhat more self-aware individual. This section explores Lockwood’s personal development, particularly his growing understanding of the complex dynamics of Yorkshire and the Moors, and his evolving perceptions of Heathcliff and the Earnshaw family.
Awareness of Yorkshire and the Moors
Initially, Mr. Lockwood views Yorkshire through the lens of a naive visitor, unfamiliar with its stark and wild beauty. His experiences at Wuthering Heights and the surrounding moors catalyze a change in his perspective. As his interactions with the landscape and its inhabitants increase, his comprehension of their intertwined nature deepens. The moors, once just a geographical feature, become a part of his reflection, although his connection to the landscape remains relatively superficial.
- Before: Lockwood perceives the moors as merely desolate and remote.
- After: He recognizes the moors as an important backdrop to the lives of the people at Wuthering Heights.
Changing Views on Heathcliff and the Earnshaws
Lockwood’s perception of Heathcliff and the Earnshaws is initially superficial, based on first impressions and social prejudices. However, as he learns more about their tragic history and experiences the intense emotional environment of the household, his viewpoint shifts from one of judgment to a more nuanced understanding, albeit still limited.
- Heathcliff:
- Initial View: A gruff landlord with peculiar habits.
- Evolved View: A complex character shaped by a lifetime of loss and unrequited love.
- The Earnshaws:
- Initial View: A family Lockwood views as simplistic and crude.
- Evolved View: He begins to see them as complex individuals with a rich, albeit tumultuous, family dynamic.
Lockwood’s growth in Wuthering Heights illustrates not only his self-reflection but also highlights the human capacity for change through a limited but increased understanding of others.
4. Literary Significance and Criticism
Mr. Lockwood serves as a pivotal literary device within the novel’s complex structure. His character is often the subject of varied critical analyses regarding his reliability and his contributions to the narrative’s intricacy.
Narrative Framework:
- External Narrator: Lockwood is an outsider to the events at Wuthering Heights, offering a fresh perspective.
- Reliability: Critics debate his reliability, noting instances of naiveté and lack of insight. His initial misinterpretations contribute to the novel’s themes of misunderstanding and miscommunication.
Character Dynamics:
- Contrast with Heathcliff: Lockwood’s genteel manners contrast with Heathcliff’s roughness, highlighting societal and character differences.
Literary Criticism:
- Role in Storytelling: Scholars scrutinize Lockwood’s role in shaping the reader’s understanding of the plot and other characters.
- Symbolism and Theme: His interactions with the setting and other characters often symbolize broader themes such as isolation and social norms.
Emily Brontë’s writing, through Lockwood’s eyes, challenges readers to question the layers of narrative and to recognize the interplay between storyteller and story. His presence as both participant and observer facilitates a complex literary analysis of the book as a whole.
- Audience Engagement: Lockwood’s viewpoint attracts readers, providing an accessible entry point to the novel’s world. His outsider status allows readers to gradually uncover the layers of the narrative, mirroring the process of uncovering the layers of the characters’ pasts.
- Thematic Development: His experiences at Wuthering Heights serve to enhance key themes such as the supernatural and the constraints of Victorian society.
| Wuthering Heights Characters List | |
| Characters Analysis | Heathcliff | Catherine Earnshaw | Edgar Linton | Isabella Linton | Hindley Earnshaw | Nelly Dean | Hareton Earnshaw | Catherine Linton | Mr. Lockwood | Linton Heathcliff | Mr. Earnshaw | Frances Earnshaw | Joseph | Zillah | Mr. Green |
