What is the primary theme of "Wuthering Heights"?

The primary theme of "Wuthering Heights" is the destructiveness of passionate love. This theme is vividly illustrated through the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Their intense, all-consuming love ultimately leads to tragedy and destruction, not only for themselves but also for those around them. The novel portrays how this fervent passion can result in obsessive behavior, revenge, and deep emotional turmoil, highlighting the darker aspects of love and the inevitable suffering it can bring.

Characters like Hindley and Isabella also suffer from the fallout of Heathcliff and Catherine’s passionate yet toxic bond, showcasing how one couple's love can ripple outward, causing pain and despair. This destructive nature of their love serves as a central conflict throughout the narrative, illustrating the idea that love, when it transforms into obsession, can lead to devastating consequences.

In contrast, other themes present in the novel, such as social status and redemption, while relevant, do not encapsulate the overarching message as powerfully as the destructiveness of love. Thus, this theme serves as the core foundation of the novel’s exploration of human relationships, making it the correct choice.