The character of “Young Cathy” in Wuthering Heights is highly mysterious and interesting. From the first moment she is introduced, she show signs of being very unhappy and bitter. These attributes are not to be expected from a beautiful young girl in her teens. This possibly foreshadows dark details of her past.
Mr. Lockwood assumes Catherine to be pleasant and amiable. He tries to start friendly conversations expecting hospitable feedback. Instead she gives him a cold shoulder. Possibly, Catherine isn’t used to being treated kindly by men, and therefore doesn’t know how to act. Mr. Heathcliff, Joseph, and Earnshaw all seem to be disgusted or hateful towards her. All three characters scold her in the second chapter, and Earnshaw and Heathcliff become offended when false assumptions are made about their relations to her.
Joseph also insults her as possibly being a witch. This harsh insult brings up more interesting questions about her past. Not only does this raise questions about her past, but also that of her other. Catherine’s family history is presented as a possible main plot ingredient by this foreshadowing in chapter two.
In Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights, Catherine reaches a pivotal point after professing her feelings towards Heathcliff and Edgar. Her revelation was not well received by Heathcliff, and results in his exile from the estate. Through imagery, allusions, and other rhetorical devices; theme and characterization develop throughout this passage.
Catherine searches for Heathcliff as it begins to storm. The rain blends with her tears as the black clouds cover her head. The world which was once bright, no longer feels the rays that shone from her friendship with Heathcliff.
Throughout the night, lightning and thunder strike the house. These bolts reflect God’s fury on the harm that has been done to one of his children. Allusions to the Bible, such as Noah and Jonah, are used by Joseph to resemble the judgment passed on those who have upset the divine being.
Through these images, Catherine’s character reaches an epiphany. The theme of actions speak louder than words takes an alternate role. Her words pierce the heart of Heathcliff and fill his soul with determination to change for the one he loves.
As Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights comes to a close, irony presents itself to the reader in many forms. Events occur which twist the interpretation of the novel.
Before her marriage to Linton, Cathy cares for him and tries to protect him from any harm that Heathcliff may bestow upon him. However following their nuptual vows Heathcliff cages Cathy within the house. Nelly tries to persuade Linton to aid her in freeing her mistress, but he claims to have no reason to set her free. Her vow of unity entitees him to all her worldly possessions, therefore, she has nothing to barter with for her life. Irony occurs because Linton will not show the same kindness that Cathy bestowed on him in the same situation.
Irony again presents itself in chapter twenty-nine. Heathcliff is ushered into the same room he was a guest in eighteen years before. That day represented the end of Catherine’s physical life on earth. This day represents the end of Cathy’s free spiritual life that he so humbly takes away.
Ironically he has taken two lives upon entrance to the same room.
Heathcliff forbids Cathy to read her books, but when Hareton finally gives in to her pleas, she has him throw the books into the fire.
Irony plays a larger role in the actions of characters and their reactions to the events surrounding them.