Ambiguity Characterization in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

Calosa, Viola (2025) Ambiguity Characterization in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. S1 thesis, Universitas Andalas.

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Abstract

This study examines the representation of ambiguity in characterization in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Using New Criticism theory and Cleanth Brooks’ concept of tension, the analysis focuses on how opposing idea in each character construct ambiguity. By applying close reading, the study identifies three main opposing ideas: rational and irrational, strong and weak, and obedient and disobedient as a framework for understanding the complexities of the main characters: Heathcliff, Catherine, Jane Eyre, and Edward Rochester.The findings reveal that the characters cannot be understood through fixed or singular categories but are shaped by internal tensions between opposing traits. All the characters discussed in this study Heathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw, Jane Eyre, and Edward Rochester are defined by the persistent tensions between rationality and irrationality, strength and weakness, obedience and defiance. These opposing forces do not cancel each other out but coexist within each character, generating complex psychological depth. Rather than resolving these contradictions, the texts maintain them in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This sustained tension enriches the characterization and contributes to the overall meaning and unity of the literary works. This research applies New Criticism theory that focuses on intrinsic elements in literary works. By combining the close textual focus of New Criticism with the structural insights of tension, this study shows that ambiguity is not a deficiency, but an advantage that can enrich the meaning of literary works. The presence of unresolved tensions within characters such as between rational and irrational, strong and weak, or obedient and disobedient enhances the realism and depth of their portrayal. The result of this research shows an analysis of the ambiguity characterization of several charaters, namely Heathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw, Jane Eyre, and Edward Rochester in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

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