Wuthering Heights Character Conflicts

A state of intense anger or fury, often accompanied by irrational behavior.

A deep-seated fear, often instinctive, that induces submission or restraint.

Malicious intent or desire to inflict harm on another.

The act of deliberately causing harm, particularly by physical force.

An intense feeling of affection, bordering on obsession, that can be overwhelming.

To intentionally make an individual feel fear or discomfort, particularly by employing physical violence.

Desiring to impose one's will on another, often with the intention to subdue or dominate.

A state of extreme distress or agitation, typically characterized by crying and physical outbursts.

The feeling of being deeply connected to someone, a sense of shared essence, where one's own identity is intertwined with the other's.

A love rooted in superficial qualities such as physical appearance, wealth, or social status, lacking genuine depth.

The ability to love someone without needing anything in return, a selfless and unconditional affection.

The conflict between one's true feelings and what society expects, a struggle between personal desires and social pressures.

The act of making a decision based solely on immediate circumstances, without considering long-term consequences.

The act of refusing or rejecting something due to a perceived lowering of one's social standing or dignity.

An intense emotional state characterized by passionate infatuation and an idealized view of the loved one.

The ability to understand and share another person's feelings, a deep sense of empathy and connection.

A love based on fundamental similarities and shared values, a deep connection of souls.

The process of gaining insight and knowledge through a series of questions and answers.

A love motivated by a desire for personal gain, often using others for their advantages.

A state of confusion and uncertainty, questioning one's choices and seeking clarity.

The ability to express oneself clearly and directly, without hiding one's thoughts or feelings.

The act of seeking to control or manipulate another person through means of coercion or intimidation.

A sense of profound happiness and satisfaction, often experienced upon returning to a familiar and loved place.

Heathcliff's primary characteristic, described by Catherine as a necessary, but not pleasurable, constant presence in her life, like the enduring rocks beneath the surface.

Catherine's outward and superficial love for Edgar, akin to the changing foliage of the woods, that will change with time, unlike her unwavering love for Heathcliff.

The act of concealing one's true feelings or thoughts, often done to avoid conflict or maintain appearances.

The potential for a change or shift in Catherine's feelings towards Edgar, indicated by the idea that her love for Edgar is temporary and subject to change over time.

The notion that Catherine's identity and existence transcend her physical form, as reflected in her statement that she cannot be fully contained within her physical body, implying a spiritual or emotional component.

The idea of Catherine's love for Heathcliff being deeply rooted and inseparable from her own being, likened to the concept of one's soul or essence.

A comparison drawn between Catherine's love for Heathcliff and 'the eternal rocks beneath,' suggesting a fundamental, essential, and enduring nature.

Catherine's desire to elevate Heathcliff's social standing through her marriage to Edgar, driven by a perceived need to improve his circumstances and provide him with opportunities.

Catherine's conviction that she cannot be separated from Heathcliff, highlighting a deep-seated conviction of their interconnectedness.

Catherine's argument that her marriage to Edgar could provide a path for Heathcliff to rise socially and escape her brother's influence.

Catherine's belief that Heathcliff is a representation of her emotions towards both Edgar and herself, suggesting a complex and intertwined connection.

The idea that Catherine's love for Heathcliff surpasses the boundaries of traditional societal expectations and norms.

The act of hiding or suppressing one's true feelings and desires regarding a particular subject.

Catherine's desperation to speak to Heathcliff before retiring, indicating the urgency she feels to communicate with him.

Hindley Earnshaw's cruel treatment of his young son Hareton, ignoring the boy's suffering and physical harm. This action showcases his callous disregard for familial obligations and reveals his destructive nature.

Heathcliff's mixed emotions after saving Hareton from falling down the stairs. His initial anger and frustration at thwarting his revenge against Hindley are contrasted by a sense of responsibility for the child's safety and well-being.

The symbolic act of Hindley attempting to touch Hareton, who reacts violently, revealing a deeper level of fear and mistrust ingrained in the boy.

Hindley's callous indifference to the emotional well-being of his family, reflected in his self-centered actions and justification for his cruelty.

Hindley's use of alcohol as a way to cope with his emotional turmoil, showcasing his self-destructive tendencies and lack of control.

Hindley's chilling remark that he finds pleasure in sending his soul to perdition, revealing his deep-seated resentment and anger towards a higher power.

Heathcliff's harsh assessment of Hindley's self-destructive behavior, suggesting that he is physically capable of enduring hardship but morally corrupt.

Catherine's emotional turmoil as she considers Edgar's marriage proposal, revealing her internal conflict between her passionate love for Heathcliff and her desire for a comfortable life with Edgar.

Nelly's observation that Catherine's emotional vulnerability is unusual and surprising, implying that she is typically aloof and self-absorbed.

Catherine's revelation of accepting Edgar's proposal, suggesting that she has made a calculated decision based on practicality and social standing, rather than true passion.

Nelly's opinion that Edgar is either foolish or naive to propose marriage to Catherine after witnessing her behavior, highlighting her perception of Edgar's lack of discernment.

Nelly's comparison of Catherine's numerous advantages and her inability to find contentment, suggesting that true happiness is not simply dependent on external factors.

The importance placed on maintaining secrets, highlighting the complex relationships and unspoken truths within the novel.

Catherine's decision to keep her feelings for Heathcliff a secret, emphasizing her social constraints and the consequences of pursuing her true desires.

Nelly's assumption that Catherine's emotional distress is a result of her own self-centeredness, reflecting her judgmental nature and limited understanding of Catherine's internal turmoil.

A person's sudden realization that time is passing quickly, often leading to a sense of urgency or regret.

A state of emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue, often caused by prolonged effort or stress.

The act of delaying or postponing a task due to a lack of motivation or energy.

The act of reluctantly complying with an order or request, often out of necessity.

A feeling of longing or sadness associated with the loss of something or someone dear, often accompanied by a sense of loneliness.

The act of intentionally concealing information or pretending something does not exist, often to avoid confrontation or conflict.

A state of intense agitation or distress marked by an inability to control one's emotions, often accompanied by crying and physical outbursts.

The practice of showing excessive kindness or indulgence towards someone, often to the point of enabling their undesirable behavior.

A sudden and unexpected onset of high body temperature, accompanied by discomfort, weakness, and potential delirium.

A state of mental confusion, lucidity, and disorientation, often triggered by illness or extreme stress.

The act of making someone feel superior or pampered, leading to a sense of entitlement and disregard for others.

The belief that one is of greater importance or value than others, often leading to arrogant behavior and a lack of empathy.

To treat someone as if they were a servant or subordinate, disregarding their personal worth and dignity.

A strong feeling of admiration, longing, or obsession for another person, often leading to blind devotion and emotional vulnerability.

The act of leaving a place or a situation, often due to adverse circumstances or personal choice.

A sense of deep regret or remorse for actions taken, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and sadness.

The ability to control one's actions and impulses despite the presence of strong emotions.

A state of having strong emotions that are often expressed through actions, words, or facial expressions.

A feeling of disappointment or regret over a missed opportunity, often accompanied by feelings of loss and disappointment.

A feeling of being unimportant or disregarded, often accompanied by feelings of resentment and anger.

A physical manifestation of someone being startled or shocked. It can be a sudden jump, a gasp, or a quickened heartbeat. This physical response is usually involuntary and triggered by a sudden surprise.

To remain in a specific location, refusing to move or change position. It can be done out of stubbornness, fear, or a desire to stay in place.

The ability to endure hardship and struggle without losing control. It's a quality of mental and emotional strength that allows someone to face difficult situations with resilience.

To speak with someone directly, using words or gestures to communicate one's thoughts and feelings. It can include both formal and informal conversations.

A period of time spent quietly and peacefully, without any distractions or external stimuli. It can be used for relaxation, reflection, or simply enjoying the calm.

To remain in a specific place for a prolonged period, often for a particular reason or purpose. It can be a physical stay in a location or a metaphorical stay in a state of mind.

To make a sudden rush or movement, usually prompted by a sense of urgency or excitement.  It involves a quick and forceful action, often directed towards a specific goal.

To express sadness, grief, or despair through audible sounds. It often involves vocalizations like sobs and cries, accompanied by physical signs like tears and facial expressions of distress.