Wuthering Heights

Question

Emily Brontë

1 I sympathized awhile; but when the children fell ill of the measles, and I had to tend them, and take on me the cares of a woman at once, I changed my ideas. Heathcliff was dangerously sick; and while he lay at the worst he would have me constantly by his pillow; I suppose he felt I did a good deal for him, and he hadn’t the wit to guess that I was compelled to do it. However, I will say this, he was the quietest child that ever nurse watched over. The difference between him and the others forced me to be less partial. Cathy and her brother harassed me terribly; he was as uncomplaining as a lamb; though hardness, not gentleness, made him give little trouble.

2 He got through, and the doctor affirmed it was in a great measure owning to me, and praised me for my care. I was vain of his commendations, and softened towards the being by whose means I earned them, and thus Hindley lost his last ally: still I couldn’t dote on Heathcliff, and I wondered often what my master saw to admire so much in the sullen boy, who never, to my recollection, repaid his indulgence by any sign of gratitude. He was not insolent to his benefactor, he was simply insensible; though knowing perfectly the hold he had on this heart, and conscious he had only to speak and all the house would be obliged to bend to his wishes.

3 As an instance, I remember Mr. Earnshaw once bought a couple of colts at the parish fair, and gave the lads each one. Heathcliff took the handsomest, but it soon fell lame, and when he discovered it, he said to Hindley—

4 ‘You must exchange horses with me: I don’t like mine; and if you won’t I shall tell your father of the three thrashings you’ve given me this week, and show him my arm, which is black to the shoulder.’

5 Hindley put out his tongue, and cuffed him over the ears.

6 ‘You’d better do it at once,’ he persisted, escaping to the porch (they were in the stable): ‘You will have to; and if I speak of these blows, you’ll get them again with interest.’

7 ‘Off dog!’ cried Hindley, threatening him with an iron weight used for weighing potatoes and hay.

8 ‘Throw it,’ he replied, standing still, ‘and then I’ll tell how you boasted that you would turn me out of doors as soon as he died, and see whether he will not turn you out directly.’

9 Hindley threw it, hitting him on the breast, and down he fell, but staggered up immediately, breathless and white; and, had not I prevented it, he would have gone just so to the master, and got full revenge by letting his condition plead for him, intimating who had caused it.

10 ‘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.’

Answer 1

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights paints a complex portrait of the relationships among the Earnshaws and Heathcliff, focusing on themes of power dynamics, social class, and emotional entanglements. In this excerpt, we witness the intricate nature of the bond between Heathcliff and Hindley, as well as the narrator’s perspective on these interactions.

In the first paragraph, the narrator reflects on their initially sympathetic attitude towards Heathcliff, only to be challenged by the realities of caregiving during a bout of illness. The comparison of Heathcliff to Cathy and her brother reveals his unique temperament; despite being a source of concern and trouble, Heathcliff is portrayed as remarkably stoic and resilient, highlighting a gritty survivalism that starkly contrasts with the volatility of the other children.

The subsequent paragraphs explore the shifting dynamics of favor and recognition. The narrator feels a sense of pride in being acknowledged by the doctor for their care of the sick Heathcliff, suggesting a fleeting bond formed through duty and recognition. However, the narrator remains perplexed by the affection Mr. Earnshaw shows towards Heathcliff, an affection that seems largely unreciprocated on Heathcliff's part. This lack of gratitude raises questions about the nature of love and dependence within the household, particularly as it relates to social status and emotional capital.

The exchange over the colts serves as a pivotal moment that encapsulates the theme of power. Heathcliff, though marginalized as a "beggarly interloper," displays a cunningness that allows him to confront Hindley, wielding threats of exposure to assert power in their relationship. This reveals an essential aspect of Heathcliff's character: his ability to navigate conflicts through intimidation and intellect, despite his vulnerable position.

The altercation escalates with Hindley’s physical aggression and insult, showcasing the crudeness of his character. Heathcliff’s responses, on the other hand, illustrate a deep desire to reclaim some measure of respect and position within the Earnshaw family dynamics. The narrative suggests that their conflicts are underpinned by broader themes of societal class and the struggle for identity and belonging.

Overall, Brontë expertly weaves tension and psychological complexity into her depictions of these characters, emphasizing how their harsh interactions shape not only their individual identities but also the volatile atmosphere of Wuthering Heights. The reader is left questioning the nature of loyalty, love, and the often-destructive power dynamics that underpin their relationships.

Answer 2

Heathcliff was "as uncomplaining as a lamb."

What is the connotation of lamb in this sentence from the first paragraph?
Responses
A white and palewhite and pale
B woolly and softwoolly and soft
C meek and quietmeek and quiet
D trusting and loyaltrusting and loyal

Answer 3

The connotation of "lamb" in the sentence "Heathcliff was 'as uncomplaining as a lamb.'" primarily suggests option C: meek and quiet. The comparison indicates that Heathcliff, despite his difficult circumstances, endures with a certain submissiveness and passivity, much like a lamb, which is often associated with being gentle and mild.