Wuthering Heights Quotes Analysis

Wuthering Heights is a gothic novel by Emily Brontë. In this novel, there are tragic events that transpire and appear to have taken place due to jealousy. Several of these events include, when Heathcliff had feelings for Cathy but Isabella liked Heathcliff and so Isabella was jealous of Cathy because she was more closer to Heathcliff and more beautiful. Another event was when Hindley was envious of Heathcliff because he was more favored by Mr. Earnshaw and last but not least, Heathcliff was covetous of Edgar because he got married to Cathy because he was wealthier and well brought-up. All these events that took place in the book occurred due to jealousy but others may oppose and argue that it was due to other emotions such as hatred or revenge.

Unfortunate occasions occurred, reason being the emotion of jealousy.

In the novel, Heathcliff liked Cathy but Isabella liked him. So this led to Isabella being jealous of Cathy. In the novel it states, “‘No, you have not,’ said the infatuated girl. ‘I love him more than ever you loved Edgar, and he might love me, if you would let him!’” (Page 96). This quote shows that Isabella was arguing with Cathy about how she didn’t give her a chance to love him. She was jealous of Cathy since Cathy was closer to Heathcliff than herself and that Heathcliff liked Cathy and not her. Also, Isabella was not as beautiful and attractive as Cathy. This was another reason why she was envious of Cathy. According to the text, “‘Why, Cathy, you are quite a beauty! I should scarcely have known you: you look like a lady now. Isabella Linton is not to be compared with her, is she Frances?’” (Page 48). This shows that Cathy was far more gorgeous than Isabella. This took place when she stayed at the Lintons’ during the time she got bit by the dog and had a complete makeover to a well-mannered young lady. However, some may believe that these occurred because of hatred since Cathy is closer to Heathcliff than Isabella and far more

attractive.
The tragic events that have happened in this book are prominently due to jealousy. Hindley was always envious of Heathcliff from their childhood. Heathcliff was always favored by Mr. Earnshaw even though he was adopted and Hindley was his real son. For example, in the novel it states,
So, from the very beginning, he bred bad feeling in the house; and at Mrs. Earnshaw's death, which happened in less than two years after, the young master had learned to regard his father as an oppressor rather than a friend, and Heathcliff as a usurper of his parent's affections and his privileges; and he grew bitter with brooding over these injuries (Page 34).
This quote from the novel shows that Hindley’s was envious of Mr. Earnshaw’s affection towards Heathcliff and started to treat him very badly. Hindley also lost his mother and she was the only person in their family who did not like Heathcliff. Although some may believe this to be jealousy, others may find it to be just pure hatred because Hindley didn’t like Heathcliff all together because he was closer to Cathy more than himself and Hindley was also sent away to study and he missed out on what went on at home.
Envy caused many events to occur and another one was when Heathcliff was envious of Edgar because he got married to Cathy and also because he was wealthier and well brought-up.

As it was stated in the text,

He ventured this remark without any intention to insult; but Heathcliff’s violent nature was not prepared to endure the appearance of impertinence from one whom he seemed to hate, even then, as a rival. He seized a tureen of hot apple sauce (the first thing that came under his gripe) and dashed it full against the speaker’s face and neck; who instantly commenced a lament that brought Isabella and Catherine hurrying to the place (Page 53-54).

This shows that Heathcliff was jealous of Edgar Linton, who was well- mannered. He hated the fact that Cathy liked him. That was why when Edgar made a remark about Heathcliff's hair, Heathcliff threw the applesauce in his face. Despite this, other may disagree and say that it was revenge that made Heathcliff throw applesauce in Edgar’s

face.
To sum it all up, Wuthering Heights is a novel that has ample events that demonstrate jealousy towards one another. This emotion has caused people such as Heathcliff to become upset or to gain revenge or form hatred towards others as some people might believe.