When reading a novel, the setting often plays a significant role in the overall plot and atmosphere of the story. However, one aspect of setting that is often overlooked is the weather. Weather has the power to enhance the emotions and actions of characters, and it can act as a symbol or metaphor throughout the narrative. In literature, the use of weather can add depth and complexity to a story, making it a powerful literary device.

One pivotal novel in which weather takes center stage is Emily Bronte’s gothic masterpiece, “Wuthering Heights.” The story is set on the moors of Northern England, a place notorious for its erratic weather patterns. Throughout the novel, winds, storms, and fog play significant roles in creating a foreboding and eerie atmosphere. The dark and stormy weather mirrors the turbulent and tumultuous relationships between the characters. For example, the tumultuous love-hate relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine is often described in parallel with the fierce winds and tumultuous weather outside. The use of weather in “Wuthering Heights” serves to heighten the mood and emotions of the characters, making for a more engaging reading experience.

Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the scorching heat of the summer is a constant presence throughout the novel. The unrelenting heat symbolizes the fervent desire and passion of the characters, particularly Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy. The sweltering heat also mirrors the corrupt and decaying society of the 1920s, adding depth and layers to the story. Weather in “The Great Gatsby” serves as a metaphor, representing the intense emotions and societal backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.

In Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Beloved,” weather takes on a more supernatural role. The novel follows the story of a former slave, Sethe, haunted by her past and the ghost of her daughter, Beloved. Throughout the book, a relentless and oppressive heatwave descends upon the town, representing the weight of slavery and the trauma that the characters carry. As the novel progresses, the weather becomes more chaotic, with heavy rains and floods mirroring the chaos and pain of the characters. The use of weather in “Beloved” adds to the haunting and mystical tone of the novel, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Weather can also be used to create a sense of place and cultural context in literature. In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” the constant rain and flooding in the fictional town of Macondo symbolize the chaotic and cyclical nature of life, as well as the cultural and political upheaval of Colombia. The incessant rain is a recurring motif throughout the novel, creating an immersive and atmospheric setting that reflects the cultural and historical elements of the story.

In conclusion, the use of weather in literature is not merely a description of the setting but a powerful tool for enhancing the plot, mood, and themes of a novel. It can act as a metaphor, symbol, or even a character itself, adding depth and layers to the story. From the windswept moors of “Wuthering Heights” to the scorching heat in “The Great Gatsby,” and the supernatural weather in “Beloved,” weather plays a vital role in shaping some of the most beloved and iconic novels in literature. So, next time you pick up a book, pay attention to the weather, as it may reveal more than you think about the story and its characters.