Take my colt, gipsy, then!’ said young Earnshaw. ‘And I pray that he may break your neck: take him, and begone, you beggarly interloper! and wheedle my father out of all he has.; only afterwards show him what you are.’

Question

What are the connotative effects of using the word wheedle in paragraph 10?

A. It implies that Hindley thinks of Heathcliff as a whiny, spoiled, begging sort of boy.
B. It is a comic, and the author uses it here to make the reader laugh and approve of Hindley's comments and purposes.
C. Hindley uses the word as a compliment; Hindley wishes he could be as persuasive to his father as Heathcliff is.
D. Hindley uses the word to express his love of Heathcliff and the strong relationship Heathcliff has with Hindley's father.

Answer 1

The connotative effects of using the word "wheedle" in the context provided suggest:

A. It implies that Hindley thinks of Heathcliff as a whiny, spoiled, begging sort of boy.

The term "wheedle" connotes a sense of manipulation or insincere flattery used to persuade someone to do something, often associated with a lack of respect. In this context, it reflects Hindley's disdain for Heathcliff and his perception of him as a person who uses charm or cunning to exploit his father.