5 Literary Masterpieces With Real Estate At The Core Of Their Plot

Most battles in history have been fought primarily to protect land. And that has been true not only of real history but also of the plots in some of the most popular works of literary fiction across ages. The world of literature is full of stories where struggles to acquire or safeguard land and real estate are central to the plot. Amid a multitude of emotions – love, hatred, deception, jealousy, and what not – there are the towering issues of real life and real land.

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PropGuide lists five famous books with land and other real estate issues as the pivotal point in their plots:

Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte (1847) 

(Faber & Faber)

Critics have widely, and furiously, differed in their opinions while summing up this heart-wrenching classic tale of love and revenge since it was first published in 1847 under the author's pseudonym, Ellis Bell. Heathcliff, the lead charter in the novel, falls in love, heart and soul, with his childhood playmate, who happens to be his benefactor’s daughter, much superior to him in birth, looks, riches and social status. The worldly concerns lead the beauty, Catherine Earnshaw, to marry another man, much worthy of affections of a woman of her stature. What follows is an intense story of Heathcliff employing his heart and soul to destroy everyone who had any hand to play in his doom, the heroine included. Property is the means using which Heathcliff reaches that goal. Towards the end of the story, he is the master of the property Catherine’s father once owned; he is also the master of the property Catherine’s husband, Edgar Linton, owns.

It begs mention here that the Wuthering Heights, which has been used as a title of the novel, is the property where it all began ─ where Catherine’s father brings home a gipsy-like orphan Heathcliff from the streets, much to the distress of his wife and son, Mrs Earnshaw and Hindley.

Far From the Madding Crowd By Thomas Hardy (1874)

(Barnes & Nobles)

In this classic, the protagonist, Bathsheba Everdene, is courted by her many suiters. But in the end she settles with Gabrial Oak, the man who is best suited to protect her farm land. The book portrays the rural-agricultural life in South England, a topic Thomas Hardy much relished and used as an underlying theme in many of his works. The fictional town of Wessex that he introduces in this 1874 novel, would be referred to in many of his later books. 

Gone With The Wind By Margret Mitchell (1936)

(Amazon)

The plot of this historical fiction, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, is all about real estate, with, of course, a more emotional touch thrown in. It is awe-striking to see the transition of the protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara, from a spoilt flirtatious maiden with many beaus to a strong woman who would kill people, slog like a slave, endanger lives of those dear to her, and enter multiple marriages, only to save the land and plantation of Tara. The heart-warming turn of events in the end sees Scarlett succeeding in holding on to her land.

The Fountainhead By Ayn Rand (1943)

(Amazon)

Right after its publication in 1943, this book earned for itself the label of a 'modern classic' – such was the success of Ayn Rand's unique philosophy on objectivism. The book is a grand portrayal of an eco-socio-politico philosophy displayed using the world of architecture as a tool. Besides, few fictional characters have such a deep impact on the mind of the reader as does Howard Roark, the protagonist of this novel. Explaining the purpose of his novel, Rand once wrote: “My purpose is not the philosophical enlightenment of my readers… My purpose, first cause and prime mover, is the portrayal of Howard Roark.” Fiction lovers in general, and particularly those with tender heart for architecture, would always be grateful to Rand and Roark.

 Last Man in Tower By Arvind Adiga (2011)

(Good Reads)

For modern-day residents of India's financial capital Mumbai, this may seem the most nail-biting piece of writing. The hero of the novel, Yogesh A Murthy, comes across as an odd man when a developer offers to buy the apartment block he lives in and he is the only one opposing. The third work of fiction by Man Booker Prize winner Arvind Adiga, this novel portrays Mumbai real estate, counted among the most expensive in the world, as a playground for many problems. And, reading Adiga's work can be greatly cathartic for many who have lived there.

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