Rosemary Haskell, professor of English, was recently interviewed by TODAY.com about interest in "Wuthering Heights," as a new adaptation hits theaters.
Elon University Professor of English Rosemary Haskell has been featured in TODAY.com coverage of a renewed national interest in reading ‘Wuthering Heights,’ Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel.
The article explores why the novel, long considered both a seminal work of Gothic literature and a complex portrait of passion and revenge, is trending again amid a new film adaptation. Haskell is quoted in the piece offering expert insight into how modern readers approach Brontë’s work.
“It appeals to our slightly shameful and subversive desires to experience the terror and horror ourselves and to experience other people undergoing terror and horror,” said Haskell of the interest in the novel.
The article highlights that some modern readers may be struggling with the novel, and Haskell says that this may be due to the changing English language. She encourages people to read the book outloud and pair it with watching adaptations, which can make the work more accessible.
“In the end, I think you just have to persevere and keep going. It becomes easier,” Haskell said.