Wuthering Heights- Catherine

Catherine Linton is the epitome of womanly perfection in Wuthering Heights. Of course, Emily Bronte points out some of Catherine’s faults, such as her wild spirit, but these often only serve to make her more endearing to the reader. Defying social customs at the start of the novel, Catherine runs around the moors, a seemingly carefree and happy little girl. After her encounter with the Lintons, Catherine becomes more refined, accepting some of the limits that society places on her. Her wild nature tamed, Catherine seems set for a happy life.

From Catherine’s personality at the beginning of the novel, it is difficult to suspect that she will be the person around whom all of the conflict revolves. However, her refinement proves to be the catalyst for conflict in the plot. When she marries Linton, thereby sealing her position as a woman of good society, she closes the door on Heathcliff, her true love. Before she marries, she declares, “Every Linton on the face of the earth might melt into nothing before I consent to forsake Heathcliff.” (page 69) However, Heathcliff leaves Catherine, and she settles down with Linton. When her one major fault- her wild nature- was erased, Catherine’s life turned to turmoil. Upon the arrival of Heathcliff to her dwelling as a married woman, Catherine finally realized her true love for her playfellow.

Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.