Wuthering Heights Analysis

Questions and Answers

What are the class implications of the changes Hindley makes to Heathcliff's life at Wuthering Heights?

Hindley made Heathcliff live among the servants, stopped his lessons, and forced him to work outdoors, degrading his status.

How do Heathcliff and Catherine generally spend their days? Relate their activities to the Romantic genre.

They usually play on the moors all day.

Why does Heathcliff dislike Edgar and Isabella Linton? How does Catherine feel towards the Lintons?

Heathcliff finds them spoiled and dull; Catherine initially feels the same way but enjoys their company when treated by them.

Describe how the weather relates to the events of the chapter.

Weather is a motif; it rains when Catherine and Heathcliff run off, coinciding with significant events and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Identify further evidence of Heathcliff's feelings toward Catherine in Chapter VI.

Heathcliff waits outside the Lintons' window to ensure Catherine is happy. Signup and view all the answers

How is Catherine altered by her stay at Thrushcross Grange? How will the changes in Catherine most likely affect her relationship with Heathcliff?

Catherine learns to behave like a proper lady, which will likely change her wild behavior with Heathcliff. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Heathcliff become angry with Catherine when she returns?

Catherine comments on his new appearance and cleanliness, which he interprets as insults. Signup and view all the answers

How and why does Heathcliff envy Edgar Linton?

Heathcliff envies Edgar's light hair, skin, demeanor, and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nelly attempt to help Heathcliff? In what ways is their plan foiled, and how does Catherine respond?

Nelly compliments Heathcliff and dresses him well, but Hindley excludes him from dinner, provoking a scene. Signup and view all the answers

What disturbing quality does Heathcliff exhibit in regards to his feelings for Hindley?

Heathcliff expresses a desire for revenge against Hindley. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lockwood distinguish Nelly from other members of her class?

Lockwood notes that Nelly does not have the low manners typical of a servant; she is more cultivated. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Class Implications

Hindley demotes Heathcliff to a servant's status, reflecting strict class divisions in 19th-century England.
Heathcliff loses access to education and manual labor, directly impacting his social standing and how others perceive him.

Romantic Genre Elements

Heathcliff and Catherine spend their days playing on the moors, showcasing a strong connection to nature, a defining feature of Romantic literature.

Relationships with the Lintons

Heathcliff perceives Edgar and Isabella as spoiled and uninteresting.
Catherine initially aligns with Heathcliff's views but later enjoys the Lintons' company after they care for her during an injury.

Weather Symbolism

Rain during Catherine and Heathcliff's escape to Thrushcross Grange parallels their emotional turmoil.
Stormy weather often reflects significant events and heightened feelings within the narrative.

Heathcliff's Devotion

Demonstrates devotion by waiting outside the Linton house, willing to break in to ensure Catherine's happiness.
Expresses that he sees Catherine as superior to everyone else, highlighting his intense feelings for her.

Catherine's Transformation

The Lintons groom Catherine, impacting her behavior and appearance, making her more refined and less wild.
This transformation likely creates a rift in Catherine's relationship with Heathcliff, as she embraces a more genteel life.

Conflict between Heathcliff and Catherine

Heathcliff reacts negatively to Catherine’s comments on his appearance, feeling insulted and threatened by her changed demeanor.
Misinterpretation of Catherine’s intentions leads to his deepened anger and feelings of shame regarding his social status.

Heathcliff's Envy

Heathcliff envies Edgar's light features, social standing, and the prospect of wealth, desiring qualities that elevate him above his current status.

Nelly's Attempt to Assist

Nelly makes efforts to improve Heathcliff's appearance before Edgar’s arrival, yet these are thwarted by Hindley’s exclusion and Edgar's poor remarks.
Catherine's emotional turmoil peaks as she feels sympathy for Heathcliff after he is mistreated, indicating her deep bond with him.

Revenge Motif

Heathcliff harbors a deep-seated desire for revenge against Hindley, stating he is committed to this goal regardless of time.
This pursuit of vengeance underscores Heathcliff's intense emotions and drive for power.

Nelly's Unique Position

Lockwood recognizes Nelly's refined demeanor and cultivated manners, distinguishing her from typical servants in her class.

Description

This quiz explores key themes in 'Wuthering Heights', focusing on class implications, Romantic genre elements, character relationships, and weather symbolism. Test your understanding of Heathcliff's devotion and the intricate dynamics between characters in the novel.