The use of setting in Wuthering Heights

The title of the novel, Wuthering Heights, is taken from the name of the house, upon the hill where much of the action in the novel takes place. It is dark, inhospitable and fortress-like, as if built for defence: “The narrow windows are deeply set into the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones… Instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights.” It is a place, which is hard to get to and where the wind blows around and howls outside it, causing the “stunted” fir trees to “excessively slant.” Nothing is cared for and everything is inhospitable: “a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as if craving alms of the sun, “ and utilitarian: ”Above the chimney were sundry villainous old guns and a couple of horse-pistols.” Nothing is ornamental, everything is there for a purpose: “A huge, liver-coloured bitch pointer surrounded by a swarm of squealing puppies, and other dogs haunted other recesses.” There is no warmth ...