Final answer:
The first chapter of 'Wuthering Heights' introduces Mr. Lockwood and his landlord Heathcliff, setting a mysterious and foreboding tone for the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first chapter of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights introduces Mr. Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange. Lockwood visits his landlord, Heathcliff, at the nearby Wuthering Heights, where he receives a less than warm welcome from the grim, reserved Heathcliff and his surly servants. The chapter sets a tone of mystery and foreboding, hinting at the complicated relationships and dramatic history tied to the brooding estate. Lockwood is intrigued by Heathcliff's strong personality, which reminds us of the classic literary figure with smouldering sexuality, similar to romantic heroes found in literature like Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. The chapter establishes an atmosphere of isolation and rugged moorland scenery, while also presenting the novel's unique narrative structure.