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Describe an occasion from the text when you think Heathcliff is cruel to Isabella - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
Describe an occasion from the text when you think Heathcliff is cruel to Isabella. In your opinion, is Heathcliff generally cruel to Isabella? Explain your answer w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe an occasion from the text when you think Heathcliff is cruel to Isabella - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
Describe an occasion from the text when you think Heathcliff is cruel to Isabella.
Answer
One instance that exemplifies Heathcliff's cruelty towards Isabella occurs shortly after their marriage. Heathcliff's treatment of Isabella can be seen during their tumultuous interactions at Wuthering Heights. After their wedding, he initially appears charming but quickly reveals his true nature. For example, during a dinner at Wuthering Heights, Isabella expresses her discontent over Heathcliff's harshness when he insults her family, particularly when he taunts her by stating that she cannot bring him any joy or affection.
This moment is especially cruel because it showcases Heathcliff's manipulative nature, using their marriage as a means to exert power and control, reflecting his deep-seated resentment and bitterness. He further exacerbates Isabella's misery when he refuses to allow her to see Catherine, further isolating her and demonstrating his complete disregard for her feelings.
Step 2
In your opinion, is Heathcliff generally cruel to Isabella? Explain your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
In my view, Heathcliff is predominantly cruel to Isabella throughout the novel. Initially, his seduction of her is rooted in spite rather than affection. As their relationship develops, it becomes clear that his treatment of Isabella is less about love and more about vindication against Catherine's rejection. Heathcliff frequently belittles Isabella, treating her as a pawn in his vendetta against the Linton family.
Even during moments when she seeks connection or solace, he cruelly dismisses her, showing a lack of empathy. For instance, after their marriage, Isabella becomes increasingly isolated due to Heathcliff's relentless emotional torment, which confirms that his cruelty is not occasional but rather a defining trait of his character.
Step 3
Identify a moment in the novel, Wuthering Heights, which you find particularly dramatic or exciting. Explain what makes this moment so dramatic or exciting.
Answer
A particularly dramatic moment in Wuthering Heights occurs during the ghostly visitation of Catherine Earnshaw. In this scene, Nelly Dean recounts how Heathcliff, tormented by the memory of Catherine, experiences a surreal encounter with her spirit. This moment is charged with emotion, as it represents the transcending power of love and loss.
The atmosphere is filled with tension and suspense, particularly when Heathcliff, in a moment of despair, shouts into the night, desperately calling for her return. This showcases not only the intensity of his feelings but also the supernatural elements that Brontë weaves into the narrative, making it a profound exploration of longing and the human condition.
Step 4
The use of contrasting settings can make a text more interesting. Identify two contrasting settings in Wuthering Heights and explain why the use of these contrasting settings makes the novel more interesting.
Answer
In Wuthering Heights, the contrasting settings of Wuthering Heights itself and Thrushcross Grange play a crucial role in enhancing the narrative. Wuthering Heights, characterized by its stormy weather and rugged landscape, reflects the tumultuous and passionate emotions of its inhabitants, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine. This environment embodies raw nature and turmoil.
In stark contrast, Thrushcross Grange is depicted as a more refined, harmonious, and civilized space associated with the Lintons. The tranquil atmosphere at Thrushcross Grange highlights the differences between the two lifestyles— illustrating how the characters’ fortunes and emotional states are influenced by their environments. By juxtaposing these settings, Brontë deepens the reader's understanding of the characters and adds complexity to the narrative, enriching the overall reading experience.