The Dark World of Wuthering Heights 

Wuthering Heights is one of the most adapted Victorian novels, yet the most misunderstood. Is it romance or horror? And why is Heathcliff such a recognisable antihero?
Join Dr Joan Passey in unpacking the novel’s enduring influence and the ways its shadows still captivate and challenge readers today. We will also introduce the novel’s historical and cultural context, explore key themes, and examine how the characters reflect the sexual politics at the time. From Cliff Richard’s musical to Emerald Fennell’s bold 2026 reimagining, this talk reconsiders Wuthering Heights through the lenses of Gothic, medicine, and sexuality.