Wuthering Heights: How is Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship different from Cathy and Hareton's relationship?

Herrera 1

Erika Herrera

Mrs. Cosoleto

English 11

May 15, 2014

Often times, in literature, authors use characters to share differences and similarities, in order to emphasize an idea. In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bront uses Catherine Earnshaw Linton and her daughter, Catherine Linton, to highlight their relationships with the men that they love. The present generation rectifies the mistakes of the previous generation. Catherine Earnshaw Linton is selfish and careless with Heathcliff, while Cathy treats Hareton with genuine love and kindness.

Catherine and Heathcliff lived in Wuthering Heights. They were both dark, brooding characters affected by their setting. The late Catherine was a selfish woman. She only thought about herself and only cared about what was good for her. She loved Heathcliff but that was not a satisfaction to her. Catherine clearly expresses her embarrassment and distaste in Heathcliff. "It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now, so he shall never know how I love him" (Bront Catherine is of a higher social class than Heathcliff.

Linton Zoo April 2014

Young Catherine

Heathcliff: The Movie

He is uneducated, has no manners and amongst all other things, he is a dark-skinned gypsy. To marry Heathcliff would mean to lower herself to his level. Catherine's selfishness is displayed here because one who truly loves another, sacrifices all they must to be with them. Catherine does not do this; rather, she looks for love in Linton. The theme of social class comes into play as Catherine neglects Heathcliff for Linton because of her desires for luxury. Her love for Linton is not genuine, it is selfish. Her love for Heathcliff is an irrational love that she cannot live without. Their love is unnatural and unhealthy for the both of them.

Young Catherine and Hareton also lived in Wuthering Heights. Like her mother, Cathy neglects Hareton because of his lack of...