Set in the West Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights is the story of two gentry families -- the Earnshaws and the Lintons - and their turbulent relationships with Earnshaw's adopted son, Heathcliff. Although Wuthering Heights is now a classic of English literature, contemporaneous reviews were deeply polarized; it was controversial because of its unusually stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, and it challenged strict Victorian ideals regarding religious hypocrisy, morality, social classes, and gender inequality. The novel also explores the effects of envy, nostalgia, pessimism, and resentment. Published under her male pseudonym, critics were convinced that it was indeed written by a man, as the powerful imagery and unbridled and savage emotions and passions of the characters initially appalled critics. Emily died tragically before knowing the acclaim his only novel would eventually receive, now being considered one of the finest literary masterpieces of nineteenth century England. EMILY BRONTE Was a British poet and storyteller. She was born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England. She was the sister of Charlotte and Anne Brontë, who were also writers. A year before her death, it was published her unique and extraordinary novel that gave her fame, Wuthering Heights 1847 , considered one of the best stories in English language and the masterpiece of Victorian romantic narrative. She died on December 19, 1848, in Haworth, Yorkshire.