Response Wuth Essays - British Films, English-language Films

Response Section 1 Chapter 1-7 The story begins with Mr. Lockwood recounting his first visit to his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff. Lockwood seems ever so affectionate toward Mr. Heathcliff. He is fascinated by Heathcliff?s reserved nature. Wuthering Heights, Mr. Heathcliff?s place of residence, is described by Mr. Lockwood as ?A perfect misanthropist?s Heaven?. Lockwood also stated that he and Heathcliff are the perfect inhabitants for the desolate land. Heathcliff does not seem to care much when Lockwood is attacked by the dogs, this shows his dark humor. As Lockwood visits Heathcliff again, he continues to be surprised by the inhabitants of the property. It seems to him as if they are all rude and crass. Joseph, Mrs. Heathcliff, and Hareton do not act so respectfully towards the guest, Mr. Lockwood, and Heathcliff treats them similarly. For some reason Heathcliff forbids his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Heathcliff, from ever leaving Wuthering Heights. It seems as if there is a universal hatred amongst them. A snow storm for ces Lockwood to stay with Heathcliff for a night, and in a room he was snuck in to, he finds a diary that belonged to one Catherine Linton. Lockwood has somewhat haunted dreams that night about Catherine Linton?s ghost. He awakes from the dream screaming, and alarming Heathcliff. It is apparent that Heathcliff believes in and is fearful of the ghost that Lockwood describes. Lockwood learns quite a bit about Heathcliff?s family history that night. Heathcliff?s relationship with his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Heathcliff, is interesting. The ugly scene between the two of them that occurs, adds to the negative portrayal of Heathcliff, especially when he calls her a worthless woman who lives on his charity even though he keeps her there. Lockwood?s housekeeper, Nelly Dean, happens to know quite a bit about Heathcliff and his family seeing as how she worked for them for eighteen years. Heathcliff?s origins and childhood are exposed, and his family?s connections are discovered. Once Heathcliff is adopted, he is treated horribly by Hindley, his adoptive father?s son. Hindley?s sister Catherine befriends Heathcliff. Although most of the people in the house cannot stand Heathcliff, she considers him her closest friend and states that the greatest punishment on earth for her would be separation from Heathcliff. Mr. Earnshaw prefers Heathcliff over Hindley and it worsens their sibling rivalry. It is obvious how much more Earnshaw loves Heathcliff when he defends him from Hindley?s persecution. After Earnshaw dies no one is left to protect Heathcliff so Hindley is free to punish him. Even though his cruelty to Heathcliff is terrible, it is almost understandable, because Hindley felt abused by his own father. With Earnshaw gone, Hindley runs the house and continues to mistreat Heathcliff, and Catherine and Nelly are the only people who don?t disdain Heathcliff. When Heathcliff and Catherine are snooping around Thrushcross Grange, Catherine is bit by the Lintons? dog and as a res ult she must remain there, while Heathcliff is sent away. Catherine returns some time later, changed. Heathcliff is jealous to hear of her befriending of Edgar Linton. When the Lintons visit the Heights, Edgar insults Heathcliff and he retaliates by attacking Edgar. Heathcliff already disliked Edgar because he thought that Catherine loved him more. After Heathcliff is sent to the attic for his actions, Catherine sneaks up to see him. Their close relationship is displayed when she defies Hindley?s orders to see him. Heathcliff plots revenge on Hindley. Lockwood really begins to see that Nelly is more than just a servant, she also is a master storyteller and he praises her for it. Response Section 2 Chapter 8-17 Hindley?s wife dies shortly after giving birth to her son Hareton, leading to Hindley?s mental and emotional downfall. Hindley shows little interest in his son and treats Heathcliff more cruelly. Heathcliff, however, ignores his persecution and enjoys watching his deterioration. Edgar continues to visit Cathy, and jealous Heathcliff feels excluded by Cathy. He feels that she prefers Edgar over him. Cathy makes the comparison between the two and decides she does want Edgar and that Heathcliff is not worthy of her presence. Cathy declares her love to Edgar. Heathcliff begins to show darkness that Nelly notices. Hindley drops deeper into alcoholism, goes crazy, and abuses his infant son.