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
- Introduction
- Hareton's Character
- Cathy's character
- Heathcliff's Influence
- The Relationship between Hareton and Cathy
- The Beginning
- After Heathcliff's Death
- Cathy's powerful influence
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the characters of Hareton Earnshaw and Catherine (Cathy) Linton in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, focusing on their development and the significant impact Cathy has on Hareton. The analysis explores how their upbringings shape their behaviors, the influence of Heathcliff on both characters, and the evolution of their relationship, culminating in their ability to resist Heathcliff's tyranny.
- The impact of upbringing on Hareton and Cathy's character development.
- Heathcliff's influence on Hareton and Cathy.
- The evolving relationship between Hareton and Cathy.
- Cathy's powerful personality and its role in overcoming adversity.
- The contrast between revenge and the power of love and kindness.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Hareton and Cathy's relationship in Wuthering Heights. It establishes the context of the novel, highlighting Heathcliff's revenge and introducing Hareton and Cathy as central figures whose relationship is marked by initial disapproval, yet ultimately blossoms into true love. The chapter emphasizes Cathy's significant influence on Hareton and poses the central question of whether her powerful character, with Hareton's support, ultimately leads to Heathcliff's downfall. The author outlines the paper's structure, promising to examine the characters' upbringings, Heathcliff's influence, and the development of Cathy and Hareton's relationship, with a specific focus on Cathy's powerful nature.
2. Hareton's Character: This chapter delves into Hareton's character, tracing his upbringing marked by neglect, violence, and degradation at the hands of his father and, later, Heathcliff. Despite the harsh treatment he endures, Hareton's inherent goodness shines through. While initially appearing gruff and uncommunicative, Hareton’s character is contrasted with Heathcliff's; although degraded, Hareton remains capable of love and kindness, contrasting sharply with Heathcliff's vengeful nature. The chapter highlights Hareton's eventual transformation, driven by Cathy's love and influence, demonstrating his ability to overcome his difficult past and embrace positive change. His experiences and observations even give him unique insight into Heathcliff's perspective.
3. Cathy's character: This section explores Cathy's upbringing and personality. In contrast to Hareton's deprived childhood, Cathy is raised in relative comfort and privilege at Thrushcross Grange. However, her sheltered life does not stifle her curiosity or adventurous spirit, reflecting aspects of her mother's personality. The chapter showcases Cathy's dual nature: while outwardly beautiful and initially refined, she possesses a strong will and a fiery temper, demonstrated by her interactions with Lockwood. The analysis contrasts Cathy's intense emotions with her capacity for empathy and forgiveness, showcasing her emotional depth and moral complexity and highlighting her ability to care about hurting others, unlike her mother.
5. The Relationship between Hareton and Cathy: This chapter analyzes the complex relationship between Hareton and Cathy. Initially marked by mutual disapproval, their connection evolves through shared experiences and Cathy’s growing influence over Hareton. The chapter discusses the beginning of their relationship, its development, and how it changes following Heathcliff’s death. Their connection is highlighted as one that transcends initial prejudice and class differences, signifying the transformative power of love and mutual respect. Cathy, through her warmth and kindness, eventually helps Hareton to overcome the effects of his harsh upbringing.
6. Cathy's powerful influence: This chapter focuses on Cathy's powerful influence on both Hareton and the overall narrative. It analyzes how Cathy's personality, actions, and interactions significantly shape the events and relationships within the novel. It explores how her influence counters Heathcliff’s destructive force, representing the triumph of compassion and understanding. The chapter likely connects Cathy's character development to the themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the potential for positive change in challenging circumstances.
Keywords
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Hareton Earnshaw, Catherine Linton (Cathy), Heathcliff, revenge, love, kindness, character development, upbringing, social class, power dynamics, transformation.
Wuthering Heights: A Character Analysis of Hareton and Cathy - FAQ
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the characters of Hareton Earnshaw and Catherine (Cathy) Linton in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, focusing on their development and Cathy's significant impact on Hareton. It explores their upbringings, Heathcliff's influence, and the evolution of their relationship, culminating in their ability to resist Heathcliff's tyranny.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the impact of upbringing on character development, Heathcliff's influence on both Hareton and Cathy, the evolving relationship between Hareton and Cathy, Cathy's powerful personality and its role in overcoming adversity, and the contrast between revenge and the power of love and kindness.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the stage, highlighting Heathcliff's revenge and introducing Hareton and Cathy as central figures. It emphasizes Cathy's influence on Hareton and poses the central question of whether their combined strength leads to Heathcliff's downfall. It also outlines the paper's structure.
How is Hareton's character described?
Hareton's character is explored through his upbringing marked by neglect and violence. Despite this, his inherent goodness shines through. Initially gruff, he is capable of love and kindness, contrasting with Heathcliff's vengeful nature. Cathy's love and influence ultimately transform him.
What is the analysis of Cathy's character?
Cathy's upbringing is in contrast to Hareton's; she's raised in relative comfort. However, she possesses a strong will and fiery temper. The analysis highlights her dual nature: outwardly refined, yet possessing intense emotions, empathy, and forgiveness.
How is the relationship between Hareton and Cathy analyzed?
The analysis of Hareton and Cathy's relationship details its evolution from initial disapproval to a connection that transcends class differences. It discusses the beginning and development of their relationship, and how it changes after Heathcliff's death, emphasizing the transformative power of love and mutual respect.
What is the significance of Cathy's influence?
Cathy's powerful influence is examined as a counter to Heathcliff's destructive force, representing the triumph of compassion and understanding. The analysis explores how her personality and actions shape events and relationships within the novel.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Hareton Earnshaw, Catherine Linton (Cathy), Heathcliff, revenge, love, kindness, character development, upbringing, social class, power dynamics, and transformation.
What is the overall structure of the provided document?
The document provides a comprehensive preview including a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. This allows for a structured understanding of the analysis of Hareton and Cathy's characters within the context of Wuthering Heights.
- Quote paper
- Wolfgang Bürkle (Author), 2004, Cathy's Impact on Hareton and Heathcliff in 'Wuthering Heights', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/27378
