The Dark World of Wuthering Heights

After a wave of media attention around Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, you might be wondering why this story still sparks such strong reactions. Perhaps you’ve followed the controversy, skipped it entirely, or simply remember the novel as one of the great works by Emily Brontë. 

First published in 1847,Wuthering Heightsis far more than a tragic romance. In this talk, we’ll explore how the novel’s Gothic atmosphere, complex characters and emotional intensity reflect the Brontës’ background, their early writings, and the social and political issues of their time.

We’ll introduce the novel’s historical and cultural context, explore key themes, and examine how the characters reflect the politics of the era. We’ll also look at the debates surrounding Fennell’s adaptation – asking what makes a “faithful” adaptation, and why filmmakers so often reinterpret this dark and enduring story. Join us to unpack the novel’s enduring influence, its Gothic roots, and the ways its shadows still captivate and challenge readers today.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm- come down early to grab a good seat!

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Speaker Bio: 

Dr Maisha Wester is an Associate Professor and a recent British Academy Global Professor. Her interests focus on social oppression in Gothic Literature and Horror Film. Her books and numerous essays include “Torture Porn and Uneasy Feminisms: Re-thinking (Wo)men in Eli Roth’s Hostel Films” and African American Gothic in the Era of Black Lives Matter. Most recently, she has created and released a narrative-driven, social justice video game for PC titled Coded Black. Her teaching includes courses on Black Feminist literature, racial representations in Gothic Literature and Horror film, and Gender in contemporary Horror film.

This talk is 18+ 

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