Wuthering Heights was one of the most complicated novels that I have ever come across. Complicated in the sense of romance problems. Heathcliff and Catherine are prime examples of a flawed relationship. However, as it was asked in question 33 of the Socratic Seminar, I do not believe Wuthering Heights to be one of the greatest romances of all time. According to dictionary.com, the definition of romance is "a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting." Some may argue that Heathcliff was the hero of the novel, but I feel that this novel was without a hero. Heathcliff did not hold enough heroic characteristics to be considered a hero. He was cruel, cowardly, and sensitive. He treated everyone with hatred, afaraid to confront Catherine, and heartbroken to the point of lunacy. Those aren't typical traits found in a hero. For example, a hero in our society, like a fireman or a policeman, has heroic qualities like bravery and unselfishness. Neither Heathcliff or Catherine have these qualities. This already voids the first part of the definition of "romance," making it impossible for the novel to be the greatest romance of all time.
A romance as seen in today's society needs to end on a note where the reader is left with a warm fuzzy feeling or one of great tragedy from the loss of the romance. We as a society expect happy fairy-tale endings or one that leaves us wondering "why?" I personally did not feel either of these when the novel came to a close. Heathcliff was a strange character that I could not completely relate with. Because of this, I did not feel for him once Catherine passes away. If the reader cannot connect with the protagonist of the novel, a true romance cannot be created. If Heathcliff would've been more open and caring, this novel could have been more romantic.
