Wuthering Heights is controversial because of its unusually stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, and it challenges strict Victorian ideals regarding religious hypocrisy, morality, social classes and gender inequality.

Wuthering Heights contains elements of gothic fiction, and another significant aspect is the moorland setting.

The novel will inspire adaptations, including film, radio and television dramatizations, a musical, a ballet, operas, and a song by Kate Bush.

Agnes Grey is largely based on Anne Brontë's own experiences as a governess for five years.

Like her sister Charlotte's novel, it addresses what the precarious position of governess entails and how it affects a young woman.

The choice of central character allows Anne to deal with issues of oppression and abuse of women and governesses, isolation and ideas of empathy.

An additional theme is the fair treatment of animals.

Both novels are published in a respectively, in a three-volume set under their masculine pen names.