Wuthering Heights Chapters 1-9 Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

Before Catherine can open the letter from Heathcliff that Nelly gives her, what happens?

Heathcliff walks into the house and into Catherine's room.

Whom does Catherine blame for her impending death?

She blames Edgar and Heathcliff as they don't seem to care about her, and they're making her choose between the two of them.

Who does Heathcliff blame for Catherine's impending death? Is he able to offer his forgiveness?

He blames Catherine herself; he says that he's going to have a hard time forgiving her for making herself so sick.

Explain Nelly's agitation at Heathcliff's refusal to leave. What does she fear will be the consequences if Edgar finds him there?

Nelly fears that Edgar and Heathcliff will fight, and this will put Catherine over the edge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the emerging pattern of deaths in the novel?

Mrs. Earnshaw dies from illness. Mr. Earnshaw dies, which then leads to a terrible life for Heathcliff. Mr. and Mrs. Linton die after catching the illness that old Catherine has after they took care of her. Frances, Hindley's wife, dies shortly after giving birth to Harteon from TB. Catherine dies 2 hours after she gives birth to young Catherine. Hindley then dies 6 months after old Catherine dies from alcohol abuse. Signup and view all the answers

How does Heathcliff respond to the news of Catherine's death? Is his character sympathetic at this time?

He remains outside of Thrushcross Grange for an indeterminate amount of time; he seems distraught, and Nelly witnesses him smash his head against the tree. Readers can be sympathetic to him as the love of his life has died. Signup and view all the answers

What final attempt does Heathcliff make to compete with Edgar?

Heathcliff removes Edgar's hair from Catherine's locket and replaces it with his own. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of where Catherine is buried? What does it reveal about Edgar?

Catherine is buried in the moors, where she was the most free and happy; Edgar clearly cared about his wife's happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What are the financial circumstances of Hindley's death and the consequences for Hareton?

With Hindley's death, Heathcliff is able to take full control of Wuthering Heights. This means that Hareton is cheated out of what is rightfully his, and Heathcliff will continue to go about making Hareton's life miserable. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it ironic that Heathcliff has become the master of Wuthering Heights?

Of all of the family members living at the Heights, Heathcliff should be the last person to possess it. He also was born into poverty, and Hindley ensured that he lived a servant's life; this is quite the turn of events for Heathcliff. Signup and view all the answers

How are Isabella and Hindley similar?

They both have come to hate Heathcliff. Signup and view all the answers

What happens that pushes Isabella to leave Wuthering Heights?

Isabella witnesses Heathcliff and Hindley get into a horrible fight, in which Heathcliff severely hurts Hindley. She also has a knife out up to her throat. Additionally, she's pregnant; her priorities have shifted. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics of her mother and father does Cathy possess?

The importance of a high social class and acting like a snob are clearly inherited from her parents. Readers see that when she begins to dislike Hareton due to him not being the son of the man of the house. Signup and view all the answers

How do Cathy and Hareton interact before Nelly arrives? What relationship from their parents' generation does the pair seem to mimic?

Before she makes unfair judgments on him, Cathy and Hareton have a wonderful time out in the moors - this is similar to the fun Heathcliff and Catherine would have together. Signup and view all the answers

What personality traits does Hareton reveal when addressed as a servant by Cathy?

It's clear that Hareton no longer gets a proper education; he appears quite rugged and angry. This is clearly because of Heathcliff. Signup and view all the answers

Characterize Linton Heathcliff. Which of his relatives does he resemble? How does Cathy respond to her cousin?

Linton is a sickly, pale boy who very much looks like a Linton. Cathy takes an immediate liking to Linton. Signup and view all the answers

What is Heathcliff's behavior and attitude toward his son?

It's clear that Heathcliff has no love for his son. He only seeks to have him live with him once Isabella dies. Heathcliff just wants to use his son in his plot to get revenge. Signup and view all the answers

Characterize Nelly's behavior in coercing Linton to travel to Wuthering Heights and remain there.

Nelly fills Linton's head with affirmation that his father is a great man and that he and Cathy can surely see each other soon. Signup and view all the answers

How does Edgar explain the situation with Linton to Catherine?

Edgar tells Catherine that Linton has moved far away from the Grange. He continues to keep Catherine locked away at home and away from Wuthering Heights. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions does Linton live under at Wuthering Heights according to servants there?

The servants describe Linton as a rude, snobby, and wretched boy. He's quite sick often, but is needy and ungrateful. The servant describes that everyone avoids him, especially his dad who won't ever be in the same room as him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Heathcliff's purpose in having Cathy visit Wuthering Heights?

Heathcliff intends on having Cathy and Linton married so that he can, in the future and once Linton dies, inherit the Grange. Signup and view all the answers

How does Linton treat Hareton?

Linton treats Hareton poorly; he puts him down and makes him feel stupid. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nelly do when she finds that Catherine and Linton have been communicating?

Nelly burns all of the letters that the two write to each other. Signup and view all the answers

How has the end of Cathy's romance affected the girl?

Cathy becomes quite depressed and sad once she's unable to communicate with Linton. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cathy cry during her walk?

She cries because she doesn't want to experience life without Edgar and Nelly - she's afraid of them dying. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Heathcliff provide further evidence of his manipulative and vengeful nature in this chapter?

Heathcliff tells Catherine that because she stopped writing letters to Linton, it's made him so sick that he's dying. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cathy persuade Nelly to accompany her in doing?

She convinces Nelly to go to Wuthering Heights with her. Signup and view all the answers

Analyze how Linton is becoming involved in his father's plans for revenge against Edgar. How is he able to manipulate Cathy?

It's clear that Linton is faking being so ill and or injured when Catherine is around. This causes her to feel pity for him. He's also quite cruel to her, making her feel guilty for not communicating or visiting him - she takes this to heart. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do Nelly and Catherine's opinions of Linton and his illness differ?

Nelly sees Linton as difficult and bratty - using his illness to get what he wants (and even exaggerating it a bit). Catherine, on the other hand, feels sorry for him and wants to take care of him. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events and Character Interactions

Catherine's inability to read Heathcliff's letter leads to a confrontation when he enters her room.
Catherine blames Edgar and Heathcliff for her deteriorating health, feeling pressured to choose between them.
Heathcliff attributes Catherine's illness to her own actions, struggling to forgive her for her self-induced suffering.
Nelly expresses concern about the potential violent encounter between Heathcliff and Edgar, fearing for Catherine's wellbeing.

Patterns of Death and Consequence

A recurring theme involves significant character deaths: Mrs. Earnshaw, Mr. Earnshaw, Mr. and Mrs. Linton, and others, highlighting the tragic circle of grief within the families.
Hindley's death allows Heathcliff to seize control of Wuthering Heights, enabling him to mistreat Hareton.

Heathcliff's Transformation

Following Catherine's death, Heathcliff exhibits deep emotional turmoil, destructively showing his grief.
He replaces Edgar's hair in Catherine's locket, symbolizing his desire to maintain his connection with her posthumously.

Burials and Symbolism

Catherine is interred in the moors, signifying her free spirit, while Edgar displays genuine care for her happiness even in death.

Relationships and Rivalries

Isabella and Hindley's shared disdain for Heathcliff reflects a mutual recognition of his toxic influence.
Isabella's decision to leave Wuthering Heights stems from witnessing Heathcliff's violent behavior towards Hindley.

Generational Parallels

Cathy inherits the elitist attitudes of her parents, reflecting their social class values.
Cathy and Hareton's initial friendship mirrors the bond between Heathcliff and Catherine, suggesting a cycle in their family's dynamics.

Character Dynamics

Hareton's rugged demeanor indicates his lack of education and unfavorable treatment under Heathcliff's guardianship.
Linton Heathcliff is physically fragile, resembling the Linton family, and Cathy quickly becomes enamored with him.

Heathcliff's Manipulation

Heathcliff exhibits disdain towards Linton, utilizing him as a pawn in his revenge scheme against Edgar Linton.
Nelly's encouragement of Linton to visit Wuthering Heights serves Heathcliff’s ulterior motives.

Linton’s Behavior and Relationships

Linton demonstrates cruelty toward Hareton, reflecting the competitive and toxic atmosphere fostered by their fathers.
Nelly destroys correspondence between Cathy and Linton, attempting to shield Cathy from emotional turmoil.

Emotional Struggles

Cathy's heartbreak over her lost connection with Linton plunges her into sadness, reflecting the overarching themes of love and loss.
Cathy’s tears during a walk reveal her fear of losing both Edgar and Nelly, emphasizing her deep-rooted anxieties about abandonment.

Manipulative Tactics

Heathcliff claims Catherine’s lack of correspondence with Linton is causing his illness, showcasing his manipulative tendencies.
Linton appears to be feigning weakness around Cathy, exploiting her pity to align with Heathcliff's revenge against Edgar.

Perspectives on Linton

Nelly views Linton's behavior as bratty and manipulative, while Cathy sees him as a victim, highlighting differing interpretations of his character.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key events and characters from the first nine chapters of Wuthering Heights. It features important questions about the main characters' relationships and pivotal moments in the story. Ideal for those preparing for exams or discussions on Emily Brontë's classic novel.