Learning copywriting from the classics: Wuthering Heights.

Dustin Dooling
2 min readMay 17, 2023

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176 years is a long time for a secret to remain buried…

It’s time to expose perhaps the very first love letter for persuasive copywriting:

Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights

This haunting masterpiece delves into the dark depths of human passion and obsession.

Sort of sounds like modern consumerism, don’t it?

It’s a Cliff’s Notes on copy pulled straight from the mothballs.

Lesson 1: Unleash The Power of Passion

Just like the fiery romance between Catherine and Heathcliff, your copy should evoke emotions, stir curiosity, and captivate readers. Infuse your words with intensity and authenticity, allowing your audience to forge a deep connection with your message. Whether you’re selling a product or telling a story, let passion be the driving force behind your words, igniting the spark that moves hearts and minds.

Lesson 2: Embrace the Beauty of Imperfections

Bronte’s characters are complex and flawed, mirroring the depth of real people.

Apply this technique to your copywriting by delving into the minds of your target audience. Understand their pain points, imperfections, and shortcomings. Develop relatable copy that embraces their traits, allowing readers to see themselves within your story. By intimately understanding your audience, you can tailor your messaging to resonate on a profound level, fostering a lasting connection based on empathy and understanding.

Your customer is imperfect. Otherwise, they wouldn’t need your product. Instead of trying to be the perfect company/product/influencer, be empathetic. Embrace your imperfections.

Lesson 3: Weave the Tapestry of Storytelling

Wuthering Heights reminds us of the power of narrative structure. Bronte deftly weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, creating a rich and captivating tapestry.

Apply this technique to your copy by embracing storytelling. Craft compelling narratives that engage readers from the first sentence, drawing them into a journey of challenges and triumphs. By structuring your copy as a narrative, you can captivate your audience, evoking curiosity and compelling them to dive deeper into your message.

Paragraph 4: Embrace Your Unique Voice

Remember those Visine commercials with Ben Stein? Don’t write like that.

In Wuthering Heights, each character has a distinct voice, allowing their thoughts and emotions to shine through the pages.

As a copywriter, authenticity and individuality are your greatest assets. Find your own voice and let it resonate in your writing. Avoid generic and impersonal language, infusing your copy with personality and flair. By showcasing your unique perspective, you can create copy that stands out, leaving a lasting impact on your readers and clients.

Thanks for reading.

This post was a request from Gunnar Rogers

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