Wuthering Heights from Emily Brontё is one of the most popular English novels. It is about an orphan named Heathcliff, who wants to take revenge for being mistreated. Two of the most fascinating characters in the novel are Hareton Earnshaw, the son of Hindley and Frances, and Cathy Linton. The development of their characters and their relationship is one of the most interesting aspects of the novel. Especially the influence that Cathy gains over Hareton is remarkably shown in the course of the novel. Is Cathy’s powerful character the trigger, which, with Hareton’s support, finally leads to Heathcliff’s resignation?
In this paper Hareton and Cathy will be introduced and their behaviour will be explained due to their upbringing. Then Heathcliff’s influence on both characters and the development of the relationship between Cathy and Hareton will be explained.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Hareton’s Character
3. Cathy’s character
4. Heathcliff’s Influence
5. The Relationship between Hareton and Cathy
5.1. The Beginning
5.2. After Heathcliff’s Death
6. Cathy’s powerful influence
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the developmental trajectories of Hareton Earnshaw and Catherine (Cathy) Linton within Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, specifically focusing on how their backgrounds and the manipulative influence of Heathcliff shape their eventual relationship. The central research question explores whether Cathy’s strong-willed character serves as the primary catalyst for Hareton’s personal growth and their shared ability to overcome Heathcliff’s cycle of revenge and tyranny.
- The impact of traumatic upbringing on the characters of Hareton and Cathy.
- The psychological and environmental influence of Heathcliff on the younger generation.
- The evolution of the relationship between Cathy and Hareton from mutual disdain to romantic alliance.
- Cathy’s agency and her role in dismantling Heathcliff’s destructive plans through education and influence.
Excerpt from the Book
5.2. After Heathcliff’s Death
“While Heathcliff may have hoped that his Catherine would outlive her milk-blooded husband Edgar and return to him, Cathy is lucky enough to outlive her first marriage, based on superficial class compatibility, and to move on to a worthier love. Instead of feeling that such a marriage would degrade her, Cathy works to improve Hareton’s education and manners. […] Cathy has matured enough to truly love and appreciate Hareton.” (Thaden 32f)
When Lockwood comes back to the Heights after several months of absence he is astonished for not having to knock at the Heights. He smells “a fragrance of stocks and wall flowers” and hears Hareton reading together with Cathy’s help (Brontë 307f). Everything has changed, from the building to the people: everything looks brighter and friendlier, Hareton is respectably dressed and handsome, he is in love with Cathy and she is his loving teacher. Nelly is singing happily, only interrupted by Joseph’s swearing. Lockwood is told that Heathcliff is dead now and that Cathy took over the family business. Nelly tells him how Cathy changed her attitude towards Hareton and how she tried to get his attention.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central conflict of the novel and the research interest in the characters of Cathy and Hareton.
2. Hareton’s Character: This chapter analyzes Hareton’s neglected upbringing and the subsequent impact of Heathcliff’s degrading treatment on his personality.
3. Cathy’s character: This chapter discusses Cathy's upbringing at Thrushcross Grange and the development of her strong, dominant personality.
4. Heathcliff’s Influence: This chapter explores how Heathcliff exerts power over both characters to fuel his desire for revenge against the previous generation.
5. The Relationship between Hareton and Cathy: This chapter details the fluctuating dynamic between the two, from their hostile initial encounters to their eventual reconciliation and alliance.
6. Cathy’s powerful influence: This chapter highlights how Cathy uses her education and agency to reform Hareton and resist Heathcliff’s control.
7. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes how the union of Cathy and Hareton ultimately breaks the cycle of vengeance and restores order to their lives.
Keywords
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Hareton Earnshaw, Cathy Linton, Heathcliff, character development, revenge, education, social status, transformation, power dynamics, love, influence, Victorian literature, novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the characters of Hareton Earnshaw and Cathy Linton in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, focusing on how their interactions and Cathy's influence on Hareton lead to the defeat of Heathcliff’s cycle of revenge.
Which characters are central to this analysis?
The primary focus is on Hareton Earnshaw, Cathy Linton, and the antagonistic role of Heathcliff.
What is the main research question?
The work investigates whether Cathy’s powerful nature and character are the defining triggers that allow her and Hareton to stand against Heathcliff’s tyranny.
What methodological approach is used?
The paper employs a literary analysis of character development, utilizing close reading of the text and supporting insights from various secondary literary critics.
How is the main body structured?
The body progresses through a character-by-character introduction, an analysis of Heathcliff's influence, a detailed history of the relationship between Cathy and Hareton, and an assessment of Cathy's transformative power.
What are the characterizing keywords of this work?
Key terms include character development, revenge, influence, transformation, and power dynamics.
How does Hareton's view of Heathcliff evolve?
Initially, Hareton respects and obeys Heathcliff as a substitute father figure, but as his relationship with Cathy strengthens, he shifts his allegiance to her.
How does Cathy restore order to the environment?
By educating Hareton and ultimately choosing to marry him, Cathy fosters a nurturing, civilized atmosphere that replaces the dark, vengeful spirit previously imposed by Heathcliff.
- Citar trabajo
- Wolfgang Bürkle (Autor), 2004, Cathy's Impact on Hareton and Heathcliff in 'Wuthering Heights', Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/27378
