Abstract: Emily Brontë’s only novel Wuthering Heights is considered as the most peculiar English novel. Based on preceding studies, this paper tries to explore the heroine Catherine Earnshaw’s pursuit of selfhood. It mainly analyzes the winding processes in her struggle as well as the root causes. In the beginning, there is intrinsic wildness in Catherine which is manifested in her love of nature and her strong self-awareness. Then with the male domination and her subsequent alienation from nature, Catherine loses herself. But through challenge to the patriarchal society and the regression to nature, Catherine manages to rehabilitate her selfhood in the end. And this paper will shed light on women’s pursuit of selfhood in contemporary society.

Key words: Wuthering Heights; Catherine Earnshaw; intrinsic wildness; loss of self; rehabilitation of selfhood

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

  1.1 Introduction to Emily Brontë and Wuthering Heights-1

  1.2 Previous Studies on Wuthering Heights-2

2. Catherine’s Intrinsic Wildness-5

  2.1 Nature as a Spiritual Sustenance and Shelter-5

  2.2 Catherine’s Strong Self-awareness-7

3. Catherine’s Loss of Self-8

  3.1 The Male Domination over Catherine-8

     3.1.1 The Restriction from Father and Brother in Childhood and Adulthood-8

     3.1.2 The Control from Husband in Marriage-10

  3.2 Catherine’s Subsequent Alienation from Nature-11

4. Catherine’s Efforts to Rehabilitate Selfhood-13

  4.1 Catherine’s Challenge to the Patriarchal Society-13

     4.1.1 Her Challenge to Father and Brother’s Authority-13

     4.1.2 Her Challenge to Husband’s Domination-14

  4.2 Catherine’s Return to Nature-15

5. Conclusion-16

References-18