An intense, tragic love story with so-so values and some language.
Plot
The story of a young woman, Catherine Earnshaw, growing up on the moors of England and the tragedies that followed.
Morality
The morality of Heathcliff is quite twisted, but Mr. Linton, Catherine's husband, is a very compassionate man. Catherine, however, rebukes him at times when he tries to comfort her during her sorrows. A pious man is portrayed as being rough and disagreeable. Heathcliff does not teach his children morality, rather he teaches them how to sin.
Spiritual Content
Joseph, the servant at Wuthering Heights, is a pious man who sometimes recites Bible verses. Christianity and Catholicism is mentioned.
Violence
Many of the main characters die at some point, none of them very graphically. One death could be suspected as a suicide. A boy suffers from a horrible sickness which is described rather vividly. Beatings are mentioned.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Catherine's brother turns into a drunk as an adult, and alcohol is mentioned.
Sexual Content
Love is a key theme in the book. Heathcliff elopes with a woman who later runs away from him. Heathcliff vividly describes his desires for Catherine, but it never gets horribly inappropriate.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Hareton, Catherine's nephew, swears. There are four letter words ("D-mn", "H-ll") used correctly and incorrectly. "Oh, God" is also used. Heathcliff insults people, sometimes using "Sl-t" when referring to women.
Conclusion
"Wuthering Heights" is one of the best classics I've ever read. It moves quickly but it still lets you absorb the atmosphere of the beautiful moors and the pleasant, innocent childhood of Catherine that later turns horrible. At some parts you'll laugh, but at others you'll cry. Wonderfully written but to be read with caution; it's the kind of story that you read for its plot, not necessarily for its Christian values.
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