Cliffs are a common feature in the natural landscape, often characterized by steep, rugged slopes and immense heights. Due to their unique and dramatic appearance, they have long been used as settings in literary writing, from ancient myths and legends to modern-day novels. Cliffs serve as more than just a physical backdrop; they possess symbolic and metaphorical meanings that can add depth and complexity to a story. In this article, we will delve into the use of cliffs as settings in literary writing, examining their significance and impact on the overall narrative.
One of the primary reasons for the frequent use of cliffs as settings in literature is their ability to evoke a sense of danger and peril. The sheer height and steepness of cliffs can create an atmosphere of tension and suspense, making them ideal settings for thrilling tales of adventure and survival. For example, in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Final Problem,” Sherlock Holmes and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty engage in a deadly struggle on the edge of Switzerland’s Reichenbach Falls, adding intensity to the already gripping storyline. Similarly, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” the chapter “The Breaking of the Fellowship” sees the protagonist Frodo being pursued by enemy forces on the edge of the cliff at the Falls of Rauros, heightening the sense of danger and urgency.
Moreover, cliffs also possess a sense of isolation and inaccessibility, making them ideal settings for characters who are outcasts or rebels. In Emily Bronte’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights,” the imposing cliffs of the Yorkshire moors serve as the dwelling of the passionate and tempestuous Heathcliff, who, like the cliffs, is a brooding and untamed force of nature. Similarly, in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” the main characters are stranded on a remote island surrounded by treacherous cliffs, highlighting their isolation from society and descent into savagery.
Beyond their physical characteristics, cliffs also hold significant metaphorical meanings in literature. They can represent obstacles and challenges that characters must navigate in order to achieve their goals. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” the Puritan community is constantly faced with the barrier of the “Black Man’s Cliff,” representing the strict moral and societal expectations they must adhere to. The cliff serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of transgressing these boundaries, as it is where Hester Prynne is forced to stand in shame as punishment for her adultery.
Furthermore, cliffs can also symbolize the divide between earth and heaven, the material and the spiritual. In Dante Alighieri’s epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” the protagonist journeys through the nine circles of Hell, the seven terraces of Purgatory, and the nine spheres of Heaven. The final canto sees him reach the edge of the earthly world, represented by a cliff, which he must ascend to reach the highest level of Paradise. This use of a cliff as a metaphor for the transition from the physical realm to the spiritual realm is a common theme in literature, emphasizing the transcendence of the human soul.
In conclusion, cliffs are not merely physical features in literary writing; they possess layers of significance and symbolism that can enhance the narrative and deepen the readers’ understanding of the story. As demonstrated by the examples discussed, cliffs are employed as settings in literature to convey a sense of danger, isolation, and obstacles, as well as to symbolize important themes and transitions. Their versatility and inherent drama make them a powerful tool in the hands of skilled writers, adding depth and complexity to their works. So, the next time you come across a cliff in a novel, poem, or play, take a moment to appreciate its significance and the impact it has on the story as a whole.