xIlkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online,2021; Vol 20 (Issue 2): pp.1263-1272 http://ilkogretim-online.org doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2021.02.144 1263| Javed Iqbal Eco-Critical Analysis of Elder Catherine in Novel, Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emile Bronte Eco-Critical Analysis of Elder Catherine in Novel, Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emile Bronte Javed Iqbal, Lecturer, Dept. of English, University of Buner, Buner, Pakistan, Email: imjavediqbal919@gmail.com Ahmad Ullah, MPhil Scholar, Dept. of English, Northern University, Noshehra, Pakistan Email: ahmedktk2013@gmail.com Ilyas Khan, SS English, Govt. Higher Secondary School, Billitang, Kohat, Pakistan Email: ilyaskhan.ik532@gmail.com Haroon Iqbal, MPhil Scholar, Dept. of English, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Email: haroonttnn@gmail.com Majid Ullah, BS English, Dept. of English, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan. Email: majidktk777@gmail.com Abstract- Eco criticism as a literary theory which seeks to establish the relationship between man and the physical environment and their inter-dependency on each other. This theory investigates such relationship in literary texts to find out in what connection man and nature exist and what are the possible impacts of Nature on man and vice versa. This study is an attempt to explore the effects of nature on the characters in Wuthering Heights (1847) particularly the Elder Catherine and vice versa. Therefore, this study Eco-critically analyzes the characters specifically the Elder Catherine in the novel. A descriptive and exploratory mode of inquiry is employed to formulate this study. The text of the novel is critically interpreted under the lens of Eco-criticism. It is shown from the analysis of the text of the novel that man and nature are interdependent. Both have the same intensity of effect upon each other. The final statement to be made from the current study is that nature and man can prove either deep friends or foes, depending on the nature of their interaction with each other. Keywords: Man, Nature, Eco-criticism, Interdependency I. INTRODUCTION Ecology and Wuthering Heights (1847) Eco-criticism offers a new perspective for the study of Wuthering Heights (1847). In Wuthering Heights, the place of Wuthering Heights and the residents are the representatives of nature, while the place of Thrushcross Grange and the residents are the spokesmen of civilization. The history of the changing relationship between the human beings and the nature is reflected in the relationships of the main characters in Wuthering Heights (1847). Long ago, human beings lived in awe of the nature and admired it and then they exploited the nature excessively. At last, they return to respect the nature and formed a harmonious relationship between human beings and the nature under the guidance of the eco-ethic. With the deterioration of the environment, the relationship between human beings and the nature reflected in Wuthering Heights (1847) drives the modern people to think deeply. It is not difficult to see the incredible comparison between the novel’s characters and their environment. The juxtaposition between the two manors, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, is especially illustrative. With just the names of each place, a person could assume their respective characteristics. By definition, ‘Wuthering’ means ‘blustery and stormy, and often describes the ferocious, noisy winds that blow across English moors.’ In the novel, the manor is described as grotesque, with strong, narrow windows… deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large, jutting stones. It is a bleak, dark and cold place. The characters and actions, which are most closely associated with Wuthering Heights, reflect the unpleasant environment. In particular, Heathcliff is cruel, grim, and moody. Even his physical appearance resembles Wuthering Heights: brows lowering, the eyes deep set and singular… black eyes withdrawn so suspiciously under their brow. Other associated characters include the drunken and brutish Hindley and the rigid and hateful Joseph. II. PROBLEM STATEMENT The study of the relationship between man and the physical environment has been the focus of many studies and writers. Eco-criticism as a literary theory investigates such relationship in literary texts to find out in what connection man and nature exist and what are the possible impacts of Nature on man and vice versa. Wuthering Heights (1847) is a conflicting novel between environments of two places, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange which are the representatives of nature and civilization, respectively. However, this aspect of the novel has been overlooked which this study attempts to investigate.