Wuthering Heights: Character Analysis

Mr. Lockwood

Overview

Mr. Lockwood serves as the initial narrator of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights." As an outsider, he offers a fresh perspective on the enigmatic and tumultuous world of the Heights and the Grange. His curiosity and subsequent discomfort in the wild setting reflect the broader themes of civilization versus nature and the supernatural elements of the story. Lockwood's experiences and observations provide the framework through which the reader encounters the complex histories and relationships of the main characters.

Key Plot Moments

• Arrival at Wuthering Heights
  • Lockwood first visits Wuthering Heights, describing it as a formidable and eerie place. He meets Heathcliff, who intrigues and intimidates him, setting the tone for the novel's Gothic atmosphere.
• Encounter with Catherine's Ghost
  • During a night at Wuthering Heights, Lockwood dreams of and interacts with the ghost of Catherine Linton, a chilling experience that reveals the supernatural undercurrents of the story and Heathcliff's deep-seated obsession.
• Hindered by Snowstorm
  • Lockwood attempts to leave Wuthering Heights but is hindered by a snowstorm and attacked by dogs, underscoring his vulnerability and the harshness of the environment.
• Curiosity and Narration
  • His interest in the strange household leads him to engage Nelly Dean, the housekeeper, to recount the intricate histories of the inhabitants, thus transitioning the narrative to her detailed storytelling.
• Final Visit
  • After recovering from an illness, Lockwood revisits the Heights, discovering significant changes among the characters, particularly Cathy and Hareton's budding relationship, highlighting themes of transformation and redemption.

Key Themes

• Outsider Perspective**:** Lockwood's detachment from the central events provides a neutral viewpoint that emphasizes the wildness and emotional intensity of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights.
• Civilization vs. Nature: His civilized demeanour contrasts starkly with the raw, untamed environment and passionate characters he encounters.
• Supernatural Elements: His experience with Catherine's ghost introduces the novel's Gothic elements and sets the stage for the story's exploration of haunting and unresolved passions.

Key Quotes

"But Mr. Heathcliff forms a singular contrast to his abode and style of living. He is a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman."

• Lockwood's description highlights Heathcliff's complex identity and his outsider status, which are central to understanding his character's motivations and conflicts.

"Terror made me cruel; and finding it useless to attempt shaking the creature off, I pulled its wrist on to the broken pane, and rubbed it to and fro till the blood ran down and soaked the bedclothes.

• This violent reaction to Catherine's ghost underscores Lockwood's fear and the tangible presence of the supernatural in Wuthering Heights.

"I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with."

• His initial nonchalance and expectation of solitude foreshadow his unpreparedness for the emotional and supernatural turmoil he encounters.

"Having read Catherine's diary and fallen asleep, Lockwood dreams that he hears a tapping at the window and is grabbed by the 'little, ice-cold hand' of Catherine's ghost."

• This quote captures the moment when the novel's Gothic elements profoundly impact Lockwood, blending dreams with reality.

"The ledge, where I placed my candle, had a few mildewed books piled up in one corner; and it was covered with writing scratched on the paint. This writing, however, was nothing but a name repeated in all kinds of characters, large and small—Catherine Earnshaw, here and there varied to Catherine Heathcliff, and then again to Catherine Linton."

• Lockwood's discovery of the names symbolizes Catherine's fragmented identity and the enduring impact of her relationships on the narrative and setting.

Ellen "Nelly" Dean

Overview

Ellen "Nelly" Dean is the primary narrator of "Wuthering Heights," recounting the turbulent history of the Earnshaw and Linton families to Mr Lockwood. As the housekeeper, Nelly's role is both central and complex; she is deeply involved in the lives of the characters while also serving as an observer. Her perspective is crucial in shaping the reader's understanding of events, and her intimate knowledge of the families allows her to provide detailed, nuanced accounts of their interactions and conflicts.

Key Plot Moments

• Caretaker of Heathcliff and Catherine
  • Nelly grows up with Heathcliff and Catherine, witnessing their deep bond and the ensuing complications as they mature, providing insight into their characters and motivations.
• Catherine's Confidante
  • She becomes Catherine's confidante, hearing her confessions about her conflicting feelings for Edgar and Heathcliff, which sets the stage for the central conflict of the novel.
• Witness to Heathcliff's Revenge
  • Nelly observes Heathcliff's calculated revenge against Hindley and the Lintons, documenting the destructive consequences of his actions.
• Mediator in Cathy and Linton's Relationship
  • She plays a key role in Cathy and Linton's relationship, navigating the complexities of their interactions under Heathcliff's manipulative control.
• Observer of Heathcliff's Demise
  • Nelly witnesses Heathcliff's final days, providing a poignant account of his obsession with Catherine and his ultimate surrender to death.

Key Themes

• Loyalty and Duty**:** Nelly's dedication to the families she serves reflects themes of loyalty and the burdens of duty, often at the cost of her well-being.
• Narrative Reliability: Her role as the primary narrator raises questions about the reliability and subjectivity of her account, adding depth to the storytelling.
• Mediation and Influence: As a mediator in the characters' lives, Nelly's influence shapes many of the novel's events, highlighting the power dynamics between servants and their employers.

Key Quotes

"Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind; not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being."

• Nelly's recounting of Catherine's confession underscores the intense, almost symbiotic relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff.

"Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend—if Edgar will be mean and jealous, I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own."

• This quote reveals Catherine's manipulative tendencies and the destructive nature of her passions, as witnessed and reported by Nelly.

"I got the sexton, who was digging Linton's grave, to remove the earth off her coffin lid, and I opened it."

• Nelly's narration of Heathcliff's macabre act highlights the morbid extremes of his obsession with Catherine.

"I said his heaven would be only half alive; and he said mine would be drunk: I said I should fall asleep in his; and he said he could not breathe in mine."

• This dialogue captures the conflicting yet intertwined fates of the characters, emphasizing the stark contrasts in their desires and identities.

"I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it."

• Nelly's account of Catherine's rationale for marrying Edgar instead of Heathcliff reveals the tragic complexities of her choices and their far-reaching consequences.

Hindley Earnshaw

Overview

Hindley Earnshaw, the son of Mr Earnshaw and brother to Catherine, is a tragic figure in "Wuthering Heights." Initially a good-natured and fun-loving boy, Hindley's life spirals into bitterness and self-destruction after the death of his wife, Frances. His jealousy and mistreatment of Heathcliff, fueled by his father's favouritism towards the orphan, set in motion a cycle of revenge and misery that impacts all the characters in the novel. Hindley's descent into alcoholism and gambling symbolizes the destructive power of unchecked emotions and familial discord.

Key Plot Moments

• Mistreatment of Heathcliff
  • Upon his father's death and his inheritance of Wuthering Heights, Hindley demotes Heathcliff to the status of a servant, igniting Heathcliff's desire for revenge.
• Marriage to Frances
  • Hindley brings home his wife, Frances, whose death during childbirth devastates him, leading to his downward spiral into vice and cruelty.
• Descent into Alcoholism
  • Hindley's grief over Frances's death drives him to alcoholism and gambling, further degrading his character and financial stability.
• Abuse of Hareton
  • His neglect and abuse of his son, Hareton, reflect his inability to cope with his suffering and perpetuate the cycle of dysfunction at Wuthering Heights.
• Death and Legacy
  • Hindley's death, a result of his self-destructive behaviour, leaves Hareton in Heathcliff's power, cementing Heathcliff's control over Wuthering Heights and setting the stage for future conflicts.

Key Themes

• Jealousy and Revenge: Hindley's jealousy of Heathcliff and his subsequent revenge set off a chain of events that fuel the novel's central conflicts.
• Cycle of Abuse: Hindley's treatment of Heathcliff and Hareton illustrates the perpetuation of abuse and its devastating effects on subsequent generations.
• Destruction and Self-Destruction: His life exemplifies the destructive power of grief and anger, leading to his ruin and the suffering of those around him.

Key Quotes

"He has been blaming our father (how dared he?) for treating H. too liberally; and swears he will reduce him to his right place."

• Hindley's initial resentment towards Heathcliff and his father's favouritism foreshadow the intense conflict and cruelty that will define their relationship.

"The fellow's insane, fatherless!"

• This quote reflects Hindley's perception of Heathcliff as an outsider and a threat, contributing to his harsh treatment of him.

"Hindley calls him a vagabond, and won't let him sit in the parlour, nor join us in meals; and, threatens to turn him out, if we break his orders."

• Hindley's authoritarian and vengeful nature is evident in his harsh restrictions on Heathcliff, setting the stage for Heathcliff's vendetta.

"Hindley Earnshaw is drunk, and Heathcliff has him in his power."

• Hindley's vulnerability and Heathcliff's dominance highlight the shifting power dynamics and the consequences of Hindley's self-destructive behaviour.

"He neither wept nor prayed; he cursed and defied—execrated God and man, and gave himself up to reckless dissipation."

• This quote captures Hindley's descent into despair and vice following Frances's death, illustrating the depth of his emotional turmoil and the futility of his rebellion.

Catherine Earnshaw Linton

Overview

Catherine Earnshaw Linton is one of the central characters in "Wuthering Heights." She is the daughter of Mr. Earnshaw, the sister of Hindley, and the true love of Heathcliff. Her character is marked by intense passions, inner conflict, and a fierce, untamed spirit. Catherine's love for Heathcliff is profound and elemental, yet she marries Edgar Linton, seeking social status and stability. This decision creates a rift in her soul, leading to tragic consequences for herself and those around her. Catherine embodies the novel's themes of love, conflict, and the struggle between nature and civilization.

Key Plot Moments

• Bond with Heathcliff
  • Catherine forms a deep, almost supernatural bond with Heathcliff from childhood, setting the foundation for their complex and tumultuous relationship.
• Marriage to Edgar Linton
  • She marries Edgar Linton, seeking the comfort and refinement of Thrushcross Grange, but this choice leads to inner turmoil and estrangement from Heathcliff.
• Confession to Nelly
  • Catherine confides in Nelly about her conflicting feelings, expressing her profound connection to Heathcliff and her pragmatic reasons for marrying Edgar, which Heathcliff overhears partially.
• Decline and Death
  • Catherine's health deteriorates due to the emotional conflict and strain of her divided loyalties, leading to her premature death shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Cathy.
• Haunting Presence
  • Her spirit continues to haunt Heathcliff and Wuthering Heights, symbolizing the enduring and unresolved nature of her love and passions.

Key Themes

• Conflict Between Passion and Social Conformity: Catherine's internal struggle between her wild love for Heathcliff and her desire for social respectability with Edgar Linton drives much of the novel's drama.
• Love and Obsession: Her intense, all-consuming love for Heathcliff is a central theme, illustrating the destructive and transcendent power of passion.
• Nature vs. Civilization: Catherine embodies the tension between the untamed natural world, represented by Wuthering Heights, and the refined, civilized world of Thrushcross Grange.

Key Quotes

"I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind; not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being."

• This declaration highlights the depth of Catherine's connection to Heathcliff, suggesting an inseparable bond that transcends normal romantic love.

"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am."

• Catherine's rationalization for marrying Edgar reveals her internal conflict and the societal pressures that influence her decisions.

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same, and [Edgar's] is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire."

• This quote captures the elemental, almost mythical nature of her bond with Heathcliff compared to her more superficial relationship with Edgar.

"My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods; time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath—a source of little visible delight, but necessary."

• Catherine contrasts her transient affection for Edgar with her enduring, fundamental love for Heathcliff, emphasizing the latter's necessity for her existence.

"Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend—if Edgar will be mean and jealous, I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own."

• This quote illustrates Catherine's dramatic and self-destructive tendencies, as well as her willingness to inflict emotional pain to cope with her anguish.

Heathcliff

Overview

Heathcliff is a central and complex character in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. An orphan taken in by Mr. Earnshaw, Heathcliff grows up at Wuthering Heights and forms a deep, tumultuous bond with Catherine Earnshaw. Described as dark-skinned with "gypsy" features, Heathcliff is an enigmatic figure, embodying both the hero and the villain. His love for Catherine is intense and consuming, driving much of the novel's plot and leading to his quest for revenge against those who wronged him, particularly Hindley Earnshaw and Edgar Linton. Heathcliff's character is marked by his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance, his profound capacity for love, and his ultimate tragedy as he remains tormented by his past and his unfulfilled desire to be united with Catherine.

Key Plot Moments

• Adoption by Mr Earnshaw
  • Heathcliff is brought to Wuthering Heights by Mr. Earnshaw, who finds him on the streets of Liverpool. This moment sets the stage for the complex relationships and conflicts that define Heathcliff's life.
  • Heathcliff's arrival causes tension with Hindley, who feels usurped by the orphan.
• Heathcliff's Escape
  • After overhearing Catherine say it would degrade her to marry him, Heathcliff flees Wuthering Heights, disappearing for three years.
  • His return marks a significant turning point, as he comes back wealthy and bent on revenge.
• Marriage to Isabella Linton
  • Heathcliff marries Edgar Linton's sister, Isabella, as a means of exacting revenge on Edgar.
  • This marriage is unhappy and abusive, highlighting Heathcliff's capacity for cruelty.
• Catherine's Death
  • Catherine's death devastates Heathcliff. His grief and desire for her to haunt him reveal the depth of his attachment and his inability to move on.
  • He begs Catherine's ghost to torment him, underscoring his tormented state.
• Heathcliff's Death
  • Heathcliff's obsession with Catherine leads to his decline. He loses interest in his revenge and becomes increasingly detached from life.
  • He dies longing for a reunion with Catherine, cementing his tragic end.

Key Themes

• Revenge and Vengeance: Heathcliff's life is largely driven by his desire for revenge against Hindley and Edgar. His methods are ruthless, impacting generations and perpetuating cycles of suffering.
• Class and Social Status: Heathcliff's ambiguous social status as an orphan and later a wealthy man challenges the rigid class structures of the time. His initial low status fuels his resentment and desire for revenge.
• Love and Passion: Heathcliff's love for Catherine is intense and all-consuming, described as eternal and unbreakable. This love, however, is also destructive, leading to misery and conflict.

Key Quotes

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

• Catherine's declaration about Heathcliff emphasizes their deep, almost supernatural bond.
• This quote reveals the essence of Heathcliff's connection to Catherine, which is central to his character and motivations.

"I cannot live without my soul."

• Spoken by Heathcliff upon Catherine's death, this quote underscores his view of Catherine as integral to his very existence.
• It highlights the depth of his love and the extent of his anguish.

"I have not broken your heart—you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine."

• Heathcliff's accusation to Catherine reveals his deep sense of betrayal and shared suffering.
• This quote illustrates the mutual destructiveness of their love.

"Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad! Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!"

• Heathcliff's plea to Catherine's ghost showcases his desperation and inability to let go.
• It demonstrates his willingness to endure torment just to be connected to her.

"I am Heathcliff!"

• Catherine's assertion reveals the profound identity entwining between her and Heathcliff.
• This quote captures the essence of their bond and the tragedy of their separation.

Catherine/Cathy Linton Heathcliff Earnshaw

Overview

Catherine Linton, also known as Cathy, is the daughter of Edgar Linton and Catherine Earnshaw. She inherits her mother's fiery spirit and her father's gentler qualities. Cathy is a complex character who navigates the tumultuous environment of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Her relationships with Linton Heathcliff and Hareton Earnshaw reflect her struggles with loyalty, love, and her desire for peace. Cathy's journey from a spirited child to a compassionate young woman illustrates her resilience and capacity for forgiveness.

Key Plot Moments

• Birth and Mother's Death
  • Cathy is born on the same day her mother, Catherine Earnshaw, dies. This event sets a tone of loss and longing in her life.
  • Her father's overprotection contrasts with the freedom her mother enjoyed.
• Imprisonment at Wuthering Heights
  • Cathy is forced to stay at Wuthering Heights by Heathcliff, who manipulates her into marrying Linton Heathcliff.
  • This moment marks a significant struggle for Cathy as she tries to navigate Heathcliff's manipulative control.
• Linton Heathcliff's Death
  • After marrying Linton, Cathy endures his illness and eventual death, which leaves her widowed and vulnerable.
  • Her marriage to Linton is fraught with manipulation and sorrow, reflecting Heathcliff's influence.
• Developing a Relationship with Hareton
  • Despite initial animosity, Cathy gradually forms a bond with Hareton, who is also under Heathcliff's oppressive control.
  • Their relationship symbolizes hope and the potential for healing and unity.
• Heathcliff's Death and Reconciliation
  • Heathcliff's death brings a sense of liberation to Cathy and Hareton.
  • Cathy's reconciliation with Hareton and their plans to marry signify a new beginning and the restoration of peace.

Key Themes

• Love and Forgiveness: Cathy's relationships highlight the themes of love and forgiveness, especially in her evolving bond with Hareton.
• Social Class and Redemption: Cathy's interactions with Hareton challenge social class distinctions, emphasizing the possibility of redemption and change.
• Resilience and Growth: Cathy's character arc illustrates her resilience and growth as she navigates the oppressive influences of Wuthering Heights.

Key Quotes

"My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods; time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath."

• This quote contrasts Cathy's different kinds of love, reflecting her deeper connection to Heathcliff.
• It underscores the enduring nature of her bond with Heathcliff, despite his flaws.

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

• Cathy's reflection on her bond with Heathcliff highlights the profound and almost mystical connection between them.
• It reveals the depth of their intertwined identities.

"Nelly, I am Heathcliff!"

• Cathy's declaration illustrates her internal conflict and the extent to which her identity is bound to Heathcliff.
• It encapsulates the complexity of their relationship and her struggle for self-identity.

"I forgive what you have done to me. I love my murderer—but yours! How can I?"

• Cathy's words to Heathcliff reflect her capacity for forgiveness, even towards those who have wronged her.
• It highlights the tragic and destructive nature of their love.

"Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living! You said I killed you—haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers."

• This quote showcases Heathcliff's torment and his desire for Catherine's presence, even in death.
• It underscores the theme of haunting and the unresolved nature of their love.

Hareton Earnshaw

Overview

Hareton Earnshaw is the son of Hindley and Frances Earnshaw. Orphaned at a young age, Hareton is raised under Heathcliff's harsh and neglectful care, growing up illiterate and rough-mannered. Despite his difficult upbringing, Hareton possesses an innate goodness and resilience. His relationship with Cathy Linton evolves from antagonism to mutual affection, highlighting his capacity for growth and change. Hareton's character arc symbolizes hope and the possibility of redemption within the novel's bleak landscape.

Key Plot Moments

• Orphaned and Neglected
  • Hareton's early life is marked by neglect after his mother's death and his father's descent into alcoholism.
  • Heathcliff's deliberate neglect further stunts his development and education.
• Heathcliff's Influence
  • Raised under Heathcliff's control, Hareton is deprived of education and proper care, growing up rough and unrefined.
  • Despite this, he forms a bond with Heathcliff, viewing him as a father figure.
• Developing a Relationship with Cathy
  • Initially hostile towards Cathy, Hareton gradually forms a bond with her, revealing his softer, more caring side.
  • Their relationship evolves from animosity to mutual respect and love.
• Heathcliff's Death and Liberation
  • Heathcliff's death frees Hareton from his oppressive influence, allowing him to pursue a better life with Cathy.
  • Hareton's liberation marks a turning point in his character arc.
• Plans to Marry Cathy
  • Hareton's plans to marry Cathy signify his growth and the restoration of harmony within the Earnshaw and Linton families.
  • Their union represents hope and the potential for a better future.

Key Themes

• Redemption and Growth: Hareton's journey from neglect to self-improvement highlights themes of redemption and personal growth.
• Love and Forgiveness: Hareton's relationship with Cathy underscores themes of love and forgiveness, illustrating the healing power of affection and understanding.
• Class and Education: Hareton's lack of education and social status reflect the rigid class structures of the time, while his eventual literacy signifies social mobility and change.

Key Quotes

"He seemed a sullen, patient child; hardened, perhaps, to ill-treatment."

• This quote reflects Hareton's resilience and stoicism in the face of neglect and abuse.
• It underscores his ability to endure hardship without becoming embittered.

"I shall have naught to say to you, if you do not repent."

• Hareton's words to Cathy highlight his moral integrity and his desire for mutual respect in their relationship.
• It indicates his capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation.

"The crown of all my wishes will be the union of those two."

• This quote from Nelly Dean reflects the significance of Hareton and Cathy's relationship in bringing about harmony and resolution.
• It underscores the importance of their union in the novel's broader themes.

"Hareton seemed a personification of my youth, not a human being."

• Heathcliff's reflection on Hareton underscores the cyclical nature of suffering and revenge in the novel.
• It highlights how Hareton's life parallels Heathcliff's own experiences.

"Hareton is the only person who loves Heathcliff."

• This quote emphasizes Hareton's loyalty and his capacity for genuine affection, even towards those who have wronged him.
• It illustrates his inherent goodness and the depth of his character.

Edgar Linton

Overview

Edgar Linton is a significant character in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. As the son of the Linton family and later the husband of Catherine Earnshaw, Edgar represents civility, gentleness, and social propriety. He stands in stark contrast to the wild and passionate Heathcliff. Edgar's love for Catherine is genuine, though it is often overshadowed by her intense bond with Heathcliff. Despite his initial fragility, Edgar demonstrates quiet strength and resilience, particularly in his dedication to his daughter, Cathy.

Key Plot Moments

• Marriage to Catherine Earnshaw
  • Edgar marries Catherine, providing her with a stable and loving home at Thrushcross Grange.
  • Their marriage, however, is strained by Catherine's lingering attachment to Heathcliff.
• Conflict with Heathcliff
  • Edgar's conflict with Heathcliff intensifies when Heathcliff returns to Wuthering Heights.
  • Edgar's attempts to protect Catherine from Heathcliff's influence highlight his courage and devotion.
• Catherine's Illness and Death
  • Edgar cares for Catherine during her illness, showcasing his compassion and steadfast love.
  • Her death leaves him heartbroken but also strengthens his resolve to protect their daughter, Cathy.
• Raising Cathy
  • After Catherine's death, Edgar raises their daughter with great care and affection.
  • His protective nature and gentle parenting contrast with the harsh environment of Wuthering Heights.
• Death and Legacy
  • Edgar's death marks a poignant moment in the novel, symbolizing the end of an era and the enduring impact of his gentle influence.
  • He is buried next to Catherine, indicating the enduring bond between them despite the tumultuous events of their lives.

Key Themes

• Love and Devotion: Edgar's love for Catherine and Cathy underscores themes of genuine affection and devotion.
• Resilience and Strength: Despite his initial fragility, Edgar demonstrates quiet strength and resilience, particularly in his role as a father.
• Civilization vs. Nature: Edgar embodies the theme of civilization, standing in contrast to the wildness of Wuthering Heights and its inhabitants.

Key Quotes

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

• Catherine's declaration about Heathcliff contrasts with her relationship with Edgar, highlighting the difference between passionate love and stable affection.
• This quote underscores the central conflict in Catherine's emotions and relationships.

"Edgar Linton, as multitudes have been before and will be after him, was infatuated: and believed himself the happiest man alive on the day he led her to Gimmerton Chapel."

• This quote highlights Edgar's genuine love and happiness in marrying Catherine, contrasting with the eventual tragedy of their relationship.
• It reflects Edgar's optimism and devotion.

"He shall never know I love him: and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same, and Linton's is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire."

• Catherine's comparison of Edgar to Heathcliff underscores the fundamental differences in their characters.
• It highlights Edgar's gentleness in contrast to Heathcliff's intense passion.

"I cannot live without my soul."

• This quote from Heathcliff emphasizes the deep connection between him and Catherine, contrasting with Edgar's more grounded and practical love.
• It underscores the central conflict in the novel between different forms of love.

"I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth."

• Lockwood's reflection at the novel's end highlights the enduring peace and tranquillity associated with Edgar's character.
• It suggests a final reconciliation and harmony, symbolized by Edgar's resting place beside Catherine.