An Analysis of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

A wild, unsavory slipI believe she meant no harm Does your opinion of Catherine match Nellys sagaciousness in Chapters 1-14? Catherine Earnshaw, later Linton, is first introduced to the proofreader by Emily Bronte in Chapter III. through out(p) the novel Catherine proves to be a theatrical role whose actions and reputation quarter both attract the audiences sympathies or chop-chop alienate them. Nellys tale dominates the narrative in chapters 1-14 and it is therefore natural that the readers views may be tainted to a degree by Nellys assessment of Catherines character.Catherine is first referred to in Lockwoods narration in Chapter III where he encounters her advert when he spends a turbulent unsavoryness at Wuthering Heights. Catherines name haunts Lockwoods sleep as he sees the words Catherine Earnshaw Catherine Heathcliff Catherine Linton carved numerous times. The haunting feeling of Catherines name is shown by Brontes gothic use of the simile as smart as a whip as s pectres as these words fill his vision. Lockwood is later confronted by a ghost who sobs the words Catherine Linton as it demands to be let into the house.Indeed this determination to channel what she wants is a characteristic of Catherine, which obtains apparent through the remainder of Nellys narration as she describes Catherines life. This characteristic in particular is a singularity that can change the readers opinion of Catherine for the worse. However conversely this particular aspect of Catherines character can evoke unselfishness for her from the reader as it is in part Mr Kenneths fault for recommending that she would non bear crossing much she ought to have her own way later on her disease in Chapter IX.Nellys opinion that Catherine meant no harm is turn out particularly accurate in Chapter IX where Catherine approaches Nelly for the first time as a confidant. Catherines innocence in the matter she poses to Nelly is demonstrated competently though her question Wh eres Heathcliff? Sympathy is evoked for Catherine as she finds herself part between the two men she loves Heathcliff and Edgar. However Catherines true personality is uncovered in the ensuing dialogue in which Catherine describes her fears about Heathcliff and her reasons for marrying Edgar (which do non appear heartfelt).Disapproval cannot be avoided as Catherines actions appear to be driven by her social ambitions, which were initially awoken by her first yack to the Lintons, and which neverthelesstually compels her to marry Edgar. However while Cathys claim that it would depress me to marry Heathcliff now may evoke condemnation from both Nelly and the reader, it can be seen that Catherine is simply the victim of her era. objet dart Wuthering Heights itself is far from the roll of society in its position on the moors, Catherines desire to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood exemplifies the effect of social considerations on the characters actions.Catherines image is somewhat weakened due to the elbow room in which she is compared, perhaps unintentionally, to Edgars sister Isabella Linton. Indeed the fact that they commit parallel positions within their intimate society and eventually end up sharing the same household allows us to see their differences with greater clarity. While Catherine represents wild nature, both in her high and lively spirits and her cursory rigour, Isabella represents culture and civilization both in refinement and in her weakness.The reader may disapprove of Catherine in her wild nature however Isabella before long proves in Chapter XII that strength might be an admirable quality for a women at that time as her weakness leads her to elope with yon Heathcliff. From Chapter XIII onwards the reader, along with Nelly, becomes suspicious of Catherines motives as she becomes quickly ill after Edgar gives her an ultimatum. Catherine worked herself into a frenzy with blood on her lips and her copper flying over her shou lders, her eyes flashing, the muscles of her neck and arms standing out preternaturally.While Edgar appears terrified of her rage, Nelly seems to see through Catherines behaviour. Indeed as Catherines state deteriorates and Edgar turns on Nelly, Nelly recalls thinking it too bad to be blamed for anothers wicked waywardness demonstrating how she does not believe the inclemency of Catherines illness. However increasingly throughout Chapter XII Catherine does seem to become ill but despite her state the readers kindliness appears to be concentrated on Edgar as he tended her day and shadow. His loyalty makes Catherines intimacy with Heathcliff and her love for the aforementioned seem even orse. Catherines general treatment of Edgar, with all his loyalty and love for her, is sure as shooting an aspect of her character which can cause abhorrence in the reader, at charges demonstrating the wickedness to which Nelly makes reference. Shockingly in Chapter 11 Catherine describes to Nelly how she want(s) to frighten her husband and exhibits her cruelty as she declares that if Edgar will be mean and jealous, Ill try to dissolve their hearts by breaking my own. This declaration from Catherine is evidence that her illness was self-inflicted and in a fit of cruelty.In this respect it is therefore hard not to agree with Nellys assessment of Catherines character as wicked. However there are points within the novel where the reader cannot aid but feel respect for Catherine. The incident in Chapter VI where Heathcliff is mocked by Edgar and retaliates by throwing hot Apple sauce in his face is the point at which Catherine demonstrates fully her love for Heathcliff as she shuns the company of others and goes to find him in his room, risking the disapproval of others to comfort the one she loves.In conclusion, Catherine is a character towards whom the readers feelings fluctuate due to her raging tempers and occasional infliction of cruelty on other characters. However posit ively there are incidents, such as the one in Chapter VI that show Catherines kind nature and indeed prove that she meant no harm despite her wicked slipway on occasions.It can be seen that her inability to express her true feelings for Heathcliff, along with his three year absence, drove Catherine to assume the title that Nelly gave her of a wild, wicked slip. Indeed there can always be explanations to quell her of this title such as the societal circumstances of her era and the ostensibly forbidden love that she harboured for Heathcliff. It is therefore possible to agree to an extent with Nellys assessment however there are aspects of Catherines character that do not agree with her view.