The Role of Narrators in Wuthering Heights: How the Unreliable Narrative Structure Shapes the Reader's Perception of Events

The narrative structure of Wuthering Heights is unique in that it is told through multiple, often unreliable, narrators, primarily Lockwood and Nelly Dean. This layered narrative structure adds complexity to the novel, offering multiple perspectives on the events that unfold. By using different narrators, Brontë creates ambiguity and allows the reader to form their own judgments about the characters and events.

Lockwood, the outsider who rents Thrushcross Grange, is a limited narrator, offering a superficial understanding of the characters. His observations are colored by his own perceptions and biases, which may mislead the reader. In contrast, Nelly Dean, who is more familiar with the characters and their histories, provides a more intimate and detailed account, though she, too, may have her own biases and interpretations.

The unreliable narration adds to the gothic atmosphere of the novel, creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty. It forces the reader to engage with the text critically, as they must question the reliability of the narrators and interpret the true nature of the characters and events.