Wuthering Heights Chapter 10 Quotes

Study Notes

Chapter 10 Key Quotes and Context

"Bleak winds and bitter northern skies" captures Lockwood's bleak and desolate view of the Wuthering Heights landscape, reflecting the overall dark atmosphere of the setting.
Edgar's deep affection for Catherine is illustrated in the quote "the stab of a knife could not inflict a worse pang than he suffered at seeing his lady vexed," emphasizing his emotional vulnerability.
Nelly's unreliable narration is suggested in the statement "I believe I may assert that they were really in possession of deep and growing happiness. It ended," indicating a potential bias in her account.
Heathcliff is vividly described as "a tall man dressed in dark clothes, with dark face and hair," alongside "the cheeks were sallow, and half covered with black whiskers," depicting his ominous and brooding presence upon his return.
Catherine's intense reaction to Heathcliff's return is highlighted by "too excited to show gladness" and "her gaze fixed on him as if she feared he would vanish were she to remove it," showcasing her deep emotional connection and anxiety.
Catherine expresses confidence in Linton's gentle nature with "I have such faith in Linton's love, that I believe I might kill him, and he wouldn't wish to retaliate," demonstrating her perception of Linton's passivity.
Isabella confronts Catherine by stating, "You are a dog in the manger, Cathy, and desire no one to be loved but yourself," revealing the competitive and selfish nature of Catherine's feelings.
Catherine warns Heathcliff, saying, "He's not a rough diamond...he's a fierce, pitiless, wolfish man," suggesting his dangerous and violent persona.
Nelly describes Heathcliff as "He's a bird of bad omen," implying her superstitious view of him and foreshadowing his negative influence on the characters.
The quote "I wanted something to happen which might have the effect of freeing both Wuthering Heights and the Grange of Mr Heathcliff, quietly" reflects a desire to resolve the turmoil surrounding Heathcliff's presence.
Isabella labels Catherine as "You are an impertinent little monkey," demonstrating the tension and disdain between the two characters.
Isabella declares, "I love him more than you ever loved Edgar; and he might love me, if you would let him," revealing her intense passion for Heathcliff and her perception of Catherine's love.
The expression "I felt that God had forsaken the stray sheep there to its own wicked wanderings" indicates a sense of abandonment in the moral realm, while "an evil beast prowled between it and the fold, waiting his time to spring and destroy" symbolizes evil lurking nearby, amplifying the ominous tone.

Description

Explore key quotes and their contexts from Chapter 10 of 'Wuthering Heights'. This quiz delves into the characters' emotions and the atmospheric setting, providing insights into the narrative's dark themes. Test your understanding of the text and its deeper meanings.