Emily Bronte was born in 1818 and published Wuthering Heights in 1847. Wuthering Heights reflects her experience with both the Romantic era, which existed from 1785 to 1830, and the Victorian era , which took place from 1830 to 1848. The Romantics placed great importance on the individual, nature and human emotions. The Victorian era, in turn, was a reaction to the Romantic period. The Victorians had a sense of social responsibility, which distinguished them from the Romantics. Wuthering Heights exemplifies both periods with the presentation of a natural, all-encompassing love between Heathcliff and Catherine, encompassed by the pressures of social rank, responsibility, and economics. Bronte's novel presents a strong critique of the superficial values ​​held by members of society. Examining Wuthering Heights from a socio-economic position, one can conclude that the limitations of society and the economy have a destructive, dehumanizing, and controlling effect on the individual. passion, competing with the ever-present forces of society and the economy. As children, both Heathcliff and Catherine challenge social norms by running wild on the moors. Their relationship becomes so strong that, at a major turning point in the novel, Catherine declares: "I am Heathcliff." (Bronte 82) However, after her stay with the Lintons, Catherine returns as a “dignified person” (Bronte 53). Although she loves Heathcliff, Catherine chooses to marry Edgar Linton because it will increase her standing in society. Catherine's decision to marry Edgar Linton serves as the main "catalyst of the tragedy" (Eagleton 3). His choice is rooted in his selfish desire for... middle of paper......destruction” (Bronte 312). Eighteen years after Catherine's death, Heathcliff dies of starvation. Their love for each other can only fully exist in death because society prevents it from existing in life. The idea that their love must transcend life itself to exist connects to the constraining and controlling influence that social pressures have on human emotions and the individual. By presenting the star-crossed and all-encompassing love forced by society between Heathcliff and Catherine, Bronte manages to convey that it is important to value human emotions, love, and freedom over society. Choosing to value the superficial and materialistic aspects of life over the natural and emotional aspects can lead to living an empty and meaningless life. If societal pressures are allowed to consume them, the result can be dehumanizing and soul-destroying.