Wuthering Heights Chapter 4 Flashcards

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Mr. Lockwood is a visitor at Thrushcross Grange, inquiring about the Heathcliff family and the history of the estate.
Nelly Dean, the housekeeper, serves as a narrator and provides insights about the characters and their pasts.
Catherine Linton was a former mistress of the estate, now known as Mrs. Heathcliff, who is the widow of Heathcliff's son.

Themes and Dynamics

The conversation reflects class dynamics and the complexities of familial relationships in the Earnshaw and Linton families.
Nelly Dean reveals the deep-seated changes and troubles that have affected the characters over time.
Wealth and greed come into focus, particularly concerning Heathcliff's character and his relationship with money and property.

Key Events and Context

Mr. Lockwood expresses curiosity about his landlord's history and the changes that have occurred at Wuthering Heights.
Nelly shares her past connections with the family and comments on the changes, indicating that not all is well within the household.
Hindley Earnshaw is portrayed negatively, suggesting a turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, rooted in childhood trauma and resentment.

Setting and Atmosphere

Wuthering Heights is depicted as a place with a storied history, rooted in the old families of Earnshaw and Linton.
The atmosphere is shrouded in mystery and tension, reflected in Lockwood's impression of the inhabitants and the uneasy dynamics at play.

Significant Quotes

Nelly describes Heathcliff as "rough as a saw edge and hard as whinstone," indicating his tough exterior and unapproachable nature.
Lockwood refers to the possibility of a hidden family history, hinting at the deeper, darker elements within the interconnected lives of the characters.

Symbolism

The echo of history in the structures of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange symbolizes the enduring nature of personal and familial struggles.
The emphasis on Richard's wealth juxtaposed with his greedy behaviors illustrates a critique of social values surrounding wealth and isolation.

Important Historical Context

The narrative unfolds in a time when class divisions were stark, and property ownership was directly linked to one’s social standing and identity.

Overall Implications

The dialogue in this chapter sets the groundwork for the intricate relationships and emotional turmoil that will unfold throughout the novel, highlighting Heathcliff's enigmatic character and the somber, gothic atmosphere of the setting.

Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 4 from 'Wuthering Heights' with these flashcards. Each card features key words and definitions to enhance your comprehension of the characters and their interactions. Perfect for reviewing the chapter's important dialogues and themes.