Wuthering Heights readers of a generation ago ~ BrontëBlog

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Wuthering Heights readers of a generation ago

Thursday, March 03, 2011 1:19 pm by Cristina in Art-Exhibitions, Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth, In the News, Jane Eyre, Movies-DVD-TV, Wuthering Heights No comments

Today newspapers discuss the declining teenage literacy. The Daily Mail says,

Unlike teens a generation ago, who preferred classics such as Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, the research found they tended towards much easier reads such as the Harry Potter and Twilight series by J K Rowling and Stephanie Meyer respectively.

And yet we would add that many of those teenagers - particularly the Twilight enthusiasts - go on to read Wuthering Heights as well.

Meanwhile a further study revealed that Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë were no longer in the top ten list for children a generation ago.

The Telegraph makes that last part a bit clearer:

The survey, which also asked adults which books they favoured when they were teenagers, revealed The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, by Sue Townsend, was the most popular book a generation ago. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë, was eighth and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, was 10th, although neither was favoured by modern teenagers. (Graeme Paton)

This columnist from the Western Mail must be one of those children of a generation ago as he loves reading:

But what I find equally fascinating is reading about reading. In many books, the characters read and we hear a lot about the books they like or hate. Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre begins with young Jane losing herself in a book to escape the harsh reality of her childhood. (Gareth Evans)

Incidentally, Dawn.com quotes from chapter XXIX from Jane Eyre in an article about women in rural areas of Pakistan.

A press release on V Advert alerts us to a project in which the Brontë Parsonage will apparently be involved:

Art in Yorkshire – Supported by Tate will present a compelling programme of high-quality visual arts exhibitions and events at the diverse venues taking part in the project. Partner venues include the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the National Media Museum, Ryedale Folk Museum, the Brontë Parsonage Museum and The Hepworth Wakefield.
One hundred works from Tate’s collection of historic, modern and contemporary art will be showcased in the venues. Tate will also provide a wide range of support as the partners share expertise and resources throughout the year. (Priya Lopes)

This might help boost Bradford's image because, as the Guardian reports,

According to a poll conducted by Travelodge last year, Bradford is the most unattractive city in Britain. In response, the West Yorkshire city last week launched a new visitor guide and online brochure, wheeling out attractions such as the Brontës, David Hockney, JB Priestley and curry to counter the negative image. (Andrew Martin)

Another image booster might be Andrea Arnold's forthcoming take on Wuthering Heights. Indie Movies Online echoes the rumour that it might be seen at Cannes:

Mentions of 'romance' and 'turmoil' seem an open invite to mention Wuthering Heights, and I am not one to ever turn down an open invite. Unless it specifically states that the event will be dry. No thanks, abstinence Joe. This new version of Emily Brontë's novel stars Skins actress Kaya Scodelario as Cathy and newcomer James Howson as Heathcliff, and looks poised to be a rough and rugged affair from British director Andrea Arnold, a two-time trophy-nabber previously at Cannes, picking up jury prizes for both Red Road and Fish Tank. (Paul Martin)

Express Night Out seems to have got Brontëites just about right. And may this serve as a warning to forthcoming films such as Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre:

Whenever you adapt a great work of fiction, people will snark. Dickens lovers will find your Tiny Tim not sufficiently saccharine; Brontë fanatics will find your Jane Eyre not short enough in stature. . . (Kristen Page-Kirby)