What is the central conflict in "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë?

The central conflict in "Wuthering Heights" revolves around the deeply destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. This intense and tumultuous relationship serves as the emotional core of the novel, driving much of the plot and shaping the characters' actions and motivations.

Heathcliff's love for Catherine is passionate and all-consuming, yet it is fraught with pain, jealousy, and societal constraints, particularly as Catherine chooses to marry Edgar Linton for social elevation. This decision leads to a cascade of events that result in tragedy, revenge, and suffering for all involved. The conflict highlights themes of obsession, social barriers, and the impact of love that transcends social norms, ultimately leading to personal ruin and a cycle of vengeance.

While other options like family duels, revenge, and class conflict are present within the narrative, they largely arise as a consequence of the primary conflict between Heathcliff and Catherine. Their relationship not only drives the plot but deeply influences the development of other characters and the overarching themes of the novel, making it the focal point of Brontë’s exploration of love and its darker aspects.