How to read Wuthering Heights with meaning and comprehension, don't skim.
How I did it: I started the book a while back, honestly because I had read the quotes in Twilight. What can I say? At first, I was just reading, not really taking any of the information inn. I just wanted to finish the book. Before long, I got frustrated because I wasn't understanding any of it. But I wouldn't actually give up on the book, I didn't want to admit I hadn't succeeded. At that point, I just started reading less and less, until I wasn't reading anything at all. Finally I quit and just gave up on Wuthering Heights.
Then my breakthrough came, in the form of a thunderstorm. I woke up in the middle of the night to the storm sirens. I'll admit it, I'm kind of a romantic. I was just thinking, what a pretty picture it would make, to curl up inside, with a cup of hot tea, reading a classic by a soft light, while a storm raged outside. So yes, I started reading Wuthering Heights again for some image. But it had been so long, I just had to start comepletely over from the beginning.
TThats when things started to make sense. I caught things I had missed the first time. And as I kept reading, I fell in love with Heathcliff, with the different characters. I am just a teenager, and it was one of the first books I had read where people were actually effected by their circumstances. There wasn't just a "good guy" and a "bad guy". And it fascinated me! It was what had been missing in all the other books I read.
Since then, I have fallen in love with the classics. They are a little more of a challenge, which I love. The prose isn't quite as easy to read, but it is truly beautiful. The book has a strong message, and strong feelings, but you can also read it just for the beautiful wording.
I guess this book has also been my downfall. Since reading Wuthering Heights, I can't stand books in the teen section of the library, or some of the adults. This book is deep, and meaningful, and above all, real. Its the way the world really works, and maybe it isn't perfect, and the feelings aren't always nice, but it can still be beautiful.
Lessons & tips: -Reread for comprehension. You might catch things you missed the first time.
-Read every. word. I know that with books that I find easy to read I tend to skim. With this one I had to really make myself focus on each word and sentence.
-If you are having trouble, think, how could I take this and put these words into simple, modern day explanations. Pretend you are trying to explaing what that part means to a child or teenager.
-Pay close attention to who is narrating. This was my biggest problem in the beginning.
-Appreciate it. Once you can understand the meaning and vocabulary easily, appreciate the style in which it is written. Caress the wording. Be that romantic.
-Read it out loud. It not only helps you to focus on every word, but you can also notice how good the writing is, the way it just rolls off your tounge.
