Give an estimate of Lockwood as the narrator of the story of Wuthering Heights. [British Novel June 2019]
Mr. Lockwood is the primary narrator of Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights. As a gentleman from London, Lockwood is unfamiliar with Yorkshire customs, and his haughty attitude often leads him to think of himself as superior to the people he encounters. Lockwood rents Thrushcross Grange from Heathcliff, and it is through his conversations with the housekeeper, Nelly Dean, that the reader learns about the other characters in the novel. Despite Lockwood's prominent role as the narrator, he is not heavily involved in the action of the story.
Lockwood's distance from the story's action is further underscored by his emotional detachment. He is portrayed as a somewhat smug and emotionally remote city boy who struggles to connect with the people around him. For example, he reflects on the possibility of being a source of temptation to Cathy, reflecting a lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings and situations of others.
Although Lockwood is the primary narrator of the story, much of the novel is narrated by Nelly Dean as a first-person retrospective. Lockwood compiles and records what he hears from Nelly, often telling it in her own words, although he may omit some of the details. Despite Nelly's greater familiarity with the characters and events of the story, Lockwood's comments influence the reader's feelings about the story.
Lockwood's role as the frame-narrator of the novel is also significant. His interest in Heathcliff, his landlord at Thrushcross Grange, propels the narrative forward, and the harsh weather he encounters as he arrives at Wuthering Heights adds to the Gothic atmosphere of the story. Lockwood's distance from the Yorkshire customs and his unfamiliarity with the moors serve to heighten the otherworldly and eerie elements of the story.
In sum, Mr. Lockwood is an essential character in Wuthering Heights, serving as the primary narrator and the frame-narrator for the story. He is a somewhat haughty and emotionally remote gentleman who rents Thrushcross Grange from Heathcliff, and his interactions with Nelly Dean provide the reader with information about the other characters. Although Lockwood is not heavily involved in the action of the story, his comments and observations influence the reader's understanding and experience of the novel.
[1] "Mr. Lockwood Character Analysis Next Ellen Nelly Dean A gentleman who rents Thrushcross Grange from Heathcliff. He is the narrator of the story; Nelly Dean tells him about all of the other characters, and he passes on her account to the reader. He is a somewhat smug and emotionally remote city boy who is not very involved in the action."
[2] "Lockwood is a visitor from London and is unfamiliar with Yorkshire customs. He brings with him a somewhat haughty attitude and often thinks he is superior to the people he encounters; for example, he reflects that he might be a source of temptation to Cathy since his mere presence might cause her to regret her choice."
[3] "Mr. Lockwood is the narrator and a secondary character in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Neither his physical description nor his age are provided in the text. Wuthering Heights is..."
[4] "Lengthy sections of the novel are narrated by Nelly Dean as a first-person retrospective as she recalls her memories of the past. However, it is still Lockwood who compiles and records what he hears from Nelly, and he admits to telling it in her own words, only a little condensed, which implies he omits some of what Nelly tells him."
[5] "The Narrators in Wuthering Heights In Emily Brontës novel, there are two dominant narrators: Lockwood and Neely. There are others; in Chapter 30, for example, Zillah takes over the narrative,..."
[6] "The girl living at Wuthering Heights was the daughter of Ellens former employers, the Lintons, and her name was Catherine. She is the daughter of the late Mrs. Catherine Linton, was born an Earnshaw, thus Haretons aunt. Heathcliffs wife was Mr. Lintons sister. Ellen is fond of the younger Catherine, and worries about her unhappy situation."
[7] "As Nelly takes the place of the main narrator, Mr. Lockwood is called up to keep curiosity to the story, I feel I shall not rest if I go to bed; so be good enough to sit and chat an hour . (Bronte 42) . Although Mr. Lockwood does not have any effect on the main story, his comments influence the feelings of the reader."
[8] "Analysis. Lockwood returns to Wuthering Heights the next day. As he arrives, it begins to snow. No one answers his knock at the door, and an old servant with a heavy Yorkshire accent named Joseph tells him that Heathcliff is away. Many plot points in the novel coincide with harsh weather, further building the storys Gothic feel."
[9] "Mr Lockwood is the frame-narrator in Emily Brontës 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, and the recorder of the main narrative, which is related to him by Nelly Dean.. Lockwood is an English gentleman who arrives on the Yorkshire moors for a retreat from city life. The narrative is propelled by Lockwoods interest in Heathcliff, his landlord at Thrushcross Grange."
[10] "characters that shape the story. Lockwoods narrative is the outer framework of the novel which incorporates the intimate, eyewitness account of Nellys story, who, in turn, relates the tertiary narratives of other characters. In addition to this basic structure, the traits and comments of each narrator is a vital aspect of understanding the text."