Yes, it's controversial. But so was feminism. So was post-colonialism. So is literature itself.
As far as I'm concerned, my theory is foolproof. Think about it: the Doctor has a TARDIS. So he can travel in time and space to wherever, whenever a novel is set. The Doctor can regenerate, and each time he does so he looks different.
So now of course you're burning to know where he fits in in Wuthering Heights. Here's your answer:
Yes, it's a controversial view, I'm aware - but supported by a wealth of incontrovertible evidence:
- Heathcliff doesn't want Lockwood to sleep in the the oak-paneled bed - this is obviously because it is the TARDIS
- Cathy is the Doctor's companion, which explains their strong relationship
- When Cathy goes mad it is because she has looked into the time vortex
- "Oh! my heart's darling" - in this quote Bronte's editors evidently changed the positioning of the apostrophe. Heathcliff has two hearts, which is why he is so passionate
- When Cathy and Heathcliff are both dead, they are spotted rambling the moors together: this is because he has regenerated and she was merely stuck in a parallel universe
- Heathcliff's background is mysterious. Why? Because he's a Time Lord.
All that's left now is to look at the range of characters throughout literature who are also a 900-odd-year-old alien. Because I can't be bothered to think of them all, I'll give you a few to start you off, and then you're on your own...
- Fagin - don't you think his dress sense is like Tom Baker's?
- Mr Rochester - process of elimination, all the other men in Jane Eyre are losers
- Dumbledore - because he's a big-hearted genius who reappears after his death (again, regeneration)
- Rhett Butler - rakishly handsome (David Tennant) and way ahead of his time (time machine)
- Edward Cullen - because he's sparkly.
