Catherine in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

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Catherine in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights Bronte intends for the reader's response to Catherine in chapters 9 and 10 to be one of mixed emotions towards this centralised character. Previously she has appeared selfish, spiteful and unaware of the world around her. This is also emphasised with a different side to Catherine. She is here older and appears to be not any wiser. The reader witnesses that her feelings have matured towards Heathcliff and that she is becoming a woman. Catherine has some exceptional qualities. When she confides in Nelly she cares enough to make sure that Heathcliff does not hear her as she asks "where is Heathcliff?" Catherine also admits to being "very unhappy" and this indicates that she isn't sure what to do. She asks for Nelly's advice about the proposal from Edgar and asks "say whether I should have done so." She needs help and advice although she pretends to be sure of herself. This is showed when Nelly asks her "why do you love Edgar." Catherine replies "Nonsense I do - that's sufficient." She is very adamant that she will keep her private reasons to herself and that she doesn't need to explain. This also shows that she is spoilt and thinks that she is always right. When she finally does describe to Nelly what she likes about Edgar she suggest feeble reasons and describes the things around him; "I love the ground under his feet, and the air over his head, and everything he touches, and every word he says." Catherine may be very highly strung but she knows how she feels and she knows deep inside what she is doing is wrong. When asked how she knows she says, "In my soul and in my heart, I'm conv... ... middle of paper ... ...is could be motive to embarrass her and therefore protect her. It could be because she wants to prove to Isabelle how cruel he is. Catherine is thoughtless as Isabelle "struggled from the tight grasp that held her." She is also thoughtless when Heathcliff asks if Isabelle is her brother's heir. Catherine suggests, "half a dozen nephews shall erase her title". This is not the right thing she should have said in front of him. Catherine is not aware of the world around her. She is presented to the reader as a harsh and spiteful character who has a challenge in perceiving things around her. She is unable to realise certain truths that may change her future. The reader at times is also meant to like her because she does try to do what she thinks is best for her and because she is so out of touch she is perceived as naïve.

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