Passage 073 · 1847
Wuthering Heights
Main effectThrough parallel similes, temporal predictions, and antithetical modifiers, Brontë creates syntax of fatal passion. Form performs the division—balanced structures comparing surface love (changeable, visible) with deep love (eternal, necessary). Grammar as psychological truth.
Device index
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Tropes
Explicit comparison using "like."
Implicit comparison.
No words highlightedSchemes
Balanced opposition.
No words highlightedSyntax
"My love for Linton is like...My love for Heathcliff resembles"—parallel subject-verb-complement structures create balanced comparison. Both begin with possessive + noun + prepositional phrase (My love for X), emphasizing ownership and direction of love.
"like the foliage in the woods"—simile using "like" + noun phrase. The prepositional phrase "in the woods" locates the foliage.
"time will change it"—future tense prediction with subject "time" as agent. Abstract time acts on love-as-foliage.
"I'm well aware"—parenthetical clause shows self-consciousness. Catherine knows this love is temporary.
"as winter changes the trees"—subordinate comparative clause extends the natural metaphor. Syntax parallels structure: time changes love AS winter changes trees.
"resembles the eternal rocks beneath"—shifts from "like" to verb "resembles", creating syntactic variety. The modifier "eternal" is key—not temporary like foliage. The adverb "beneath" suggests foundation, depth, what's under surface.
"a source of little visible delight, but necessary"—noun phrase in apposition to "rocks," explaining their function. The antithesis "little...delight, but necessary" captures paradox through coordinate opposition.
Close reading
1Close Reading
Parallel Opening
"My love for Linton is like...My love for Heathcliff resembles"—parallel subject-verb-complement structures create balanced comparison.
Both begin with possessive + noun + prepositional phrase (My love for X), emphasizing ownership and direction of love.
First Simile
"like the foliage in the woods"—simile using "like" + noun phrase. The prepositional phrase "in the woods" locates the foliage.
Temporal Prediction
"time will change it"—future tense prediction with subject "time" as agent. Abstract time acts on love-as-foliage.
Parenthetical Awareness
"I'm well aware"—parenthetical clause shows self-consciousness. Catherine knows this love is temporary.
Comparative Clause
"as winter changes the trees"—subordinate comparative clause extends the natural metaphor. Syntax parallels structure: time changes love AS winter changes trees.
Second Comparison
"resembles the eternal rocks beneath"—shifts from "like" to verb "resembles", creating syntactic variety. The modifier "eternal" is key—not temporary like foliage.
The adverb "beneath" suggests foundation, depth, what's under surface.
Appositive Explanation
"a source of little visible delight, but necessary"—noun phrase in apposition to "rocks," explaining their function. The antithesis "little...delight, but necessary" captures paradox through coordinate opposition.
Stylistic Effect
Through parallel similes, temporal predictions, and antithetical modifiers, Brontë creates syntax of fatal passion. Form performs the division—balanced structures comparing surface love (changeable, visible) with deep love (eternal, necessary). Grammar as psychological truth.