Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights

From Everyone Should Read by Everyone Should Read

September 10, 2025 · 59 min · Season 1 · Episode 2

About this episode

This episode explores the Gothic elements and sociological themes in Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by the Bronte sisters.

While Gothic is considered a sub-genre of romanticism the two meet and diverge at various points. Join us for our Bronte episode where we break down two classic novels from the genre. In this episode of Everyone Should Read, Drew Sylva and Kate Watters dive deep into the dark and stormy world of gothic literature through two iconic novels: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. We explore how these literary classics go beyond the haunted manors and doomed romances to reflect pressing sociological themes - including class struggle, gender roles, racism, and moral power - and how their brooding landscapes and unforgettable characters still shape pop culture today. Whether you’re a lifelong Bronte fan, a student of English literature, or simply fascinated by the lasting legacy of Gothic fiction, this episode will give you fresh insight into why Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights remain cultural touchstones.

People in this episode

Hosts: Drew Sylva, Kate Watters

Topics covered

Gothic literature
Bronte sisters
class struggle
gender roles
sociological themes
pop culture

Keywords

Gothic
literature
Bronte
class struggle
gender roles
Jane Eyre
Wuthering Heights

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights