In Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," Nelly Dean serves as the primary narrator and caretaker, witnessing the intense passions and tragedies that unfold at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Her perspective shapes much of the story, even as readers question her reliability and loyalties.
Through Nelly's recounting, the novel explores themes of revenge, class, and morality, making her role far more complex than that of a simple servant.
Nelly Dean as Narrator and Confidante
Nelly Dean is the housekeeper at both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, offering a domestic viewpoint on the turbulent relationships between Heathcliff, Cathy, and the Earnshaw and Linton families.
Key Aspects of Nelly's Story
| Aspect | Details | Impact on the Novel | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Primary narrator and caretaker | Provides first-hand, though biased, accounts | Recounts childhood events at Wuthering Heights |
| Loyalties | Strong allegiance to Edgar Linton | Colors her descriptions of Heathcliff and Cathy | Disapproves of Heathcliff's influence |
| Limitations | Limited knowledge of inner thoughts | Leaves gaps that invite reader interpretation | Unaware of Cathy's full turmoil until later |
| Moral Position | Conventional morality and social order | Contrasts with the wild passion of the Earnshaws | Judges Heathcliff's cruelty and revenge |
Nelly's Reliability as a Guide
Readers often debate how trustworthy Nelly truly is, given her strong opinions and position within the households. Her judgments can skew the reader's understanding of Heathcliff and Cathy's motivations.
By filtering events through her own values, Nelly both clarifies and obscures the emotional truths at the heart of the story.
Nelly's Influence on Character Development
Nelly's actions and inactions directly affect the paths taken by the younger characters, especially Cathy and Hareton.
- She reports secrets to Edgar, which fuels family tensions.
- She disciplines Hareton, believing in education and decorum.
- She tries to shield Cathy from Heathcliff's wrath.
- Her storytelling frames Heathcliff as either victim Monster or villain, depending on the scene.
Context of Lockwood's Frame Narrative
The outer narrative by Mr. Lockwood adds another layer, as he hears Nelly's version of events and reacts to her interpretations.
This framing invites readers to compare Nelly's domestic perspective with Lockwood's status as an outsider, deepening the novel's exploration of subjectivity.
Class and Gender Constraints
Nelly's position as a servant woman limits her agency, even as she holds considerable sway in managing household affairs.
Her adherence to social norms highlights the constraints faced by women in the early 19th century, while also explaining her resistance to Heathcliff's transgressive behavior.
Understanding Nelly's Role in the Novel's Structure
Recognizing Nelly's limitations and biases helps readers navigate the complex timeline and conflicting accounts within "Wuthering Heights."
- Identify Nelly's core loyalties and how they shape her storytelling.
- Compare her version of events with Lockwood's observations.
- Note moments where her knowledge is incomplete or delayed.
- Consider how her moral framework influences character judgments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does Nelly disapprove of Heathcliff so strongly?
Nelly's strong disapproval stems from Heathcliff's defiance of social order, his cruelty, and the emotional chaos he brings to both households, which conflicts with her values of duty and decorum.
How does Nelly's narration affect the reader's view of Cathy?
By emphasizing Cathy's capriciousness and romantic impulsiveness, Nelly shapes the reader's perception of Cathy as sometimes selfish and naive, despite her genuine struggles.
Is Nelly truly impartial, or does she take sides?
Nelly consistently takes sides, particularly with Edgar Linton and against Heathcliff, which colors her account and raises questions about the objectivity of her narration.
What would change if another character told the story instead of Nelly?
A different narrator could alter the moral judgments, emotional depth, and focus of the story, potentially humanizing Heathcliff or exposing more internal conflict among the other characters.