Chapter 1-8

Characters development:
Lockwood-
• Lockwood a tenant at “Thrushcross grange” arrives at “Wuthering heights” home
to his landlord Heathcliff.
• His first impression of Wuthering heights is well describes in fine words.
• The novel begins with Lockwood’s diary entry i.e. 1801-. This also tells the reader
the present year in the novel.
• As a narrator, Lockwood is very observant. He describes every feature of the
inmates at Wuthering heights and even the house very well e.g. - he reads ‘1500’
and ‘Hareton’ written at the entrance. And compares himself with Heathcliff and
his reservedness ; gives a physical description of Heathcliff ‘he is a dark skinned
gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman”
• Lockwood seems to be a literate person from his critical and sharp narration as he
uses rich language with varied vocabulary and literary devices.

Heathcliff-
• Heathcliff the central character of the novel is described as a reserved man by
Lockwood- the narrator
• ‘dark skinned gypsy, yet dressed like a gentleman’
• Lockwood’s experience - Heathcliff a very strange and mysterious person as he
laughs when the dogs attack Lockwood.
• Heathcliff an orphan brought by Mr.Earnshaw from Liverpool; named him
Heathcliff on the name of his son who died.
• A dirty looking boy described by Nelly, hated by everyone at Wuthering heights
except Catherine.
• Hindley’s ill-treatment because of jealousy.
• Heathcliff brought bad feelings in the Earnshaw family, as Mrs. Earnshaw died 2
years after he arrived.
• Cathy’s friendship with Heathcliff – as a companion.
• Hindley’s hatred for Heathcliff deepens with time.
• Mr. Earnshaw dies making Hindley the master of Wuthering heights.
• Hindley degraded him to a servant.
• After Catherine’s injury, Heathcliff was not let inside Thrushcross grange(windows
and doors are a symbol of separation here as Cathy and Heathcliff are not allowed
to meet each other) .
• Heathcliff felt bad of Catherine’s criticism about his dirtiness. Quotes marked in the
book
• Heathcliff’s feelings showed up at Edgar, when he threw a plate on his face
• Heathcliff asks Nelly on how to take revenge from Hindley of his stern action.
• First time seen Heathcliff’s violent nature
• On the other side he also saves Hareton by falling on the ground when Hindley
throws him. Which projects his concern and observant nature?
• Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship continuously deepens.
• Heathcliff’s insecure nature turned up when he asked Cathy to ignore the Linton
kids.
• A contrast between Edgar and Heathcliff in terms of looks and refinement.

Symbols-
Wind - in the first chapter Lockwood says that 'Wuthering' is a significant adjective, as it is
"descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather.
Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times, indeed; one may guess the
power of the north wind blowing over the edge, by the excessive slant of a few stunted firs at
the end of the house; and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as
if craving alms of the sun"
Indeed the wind is an important symbol for change in the novel. It is present during many
of the significant events in the lives of the characters. When Mr. Earnshaw dies there is a
'high wind,' and the weather is described as 'wild and stormy.
Windows- windows are an important symbol in Wuthering heights. Lockwood’s dream of a
ghost at Wuthering heights is an interesting example of windows. The ghost is of Catherine
Linton and the window symbolises separation. Separation from love, passion (Heathcliff),
freedom which was due to her marriage to Edgar Linton. It is also painful to see that she
can see her world but cannot return to it. The next incidence is when Cathy is injured and
is at Thrushcross grange to recover; Heathcliff is kept away from her due to his social
class. Again a barrier which prevents the two wild spirits from each other

Dogs- play an important role in Wuthering Heights. From the pack of unfriendly hounds
that greet Lockwood at the Heights, to the pet that Edgar and Isabella are arguing over as
children, the dog that bites Catherine's ankle in the same section of the novel to Isabella's
pet dog strung up on the back of a chair by Heathcliff as Isabella elopes with him. There
are two different types of dog in this story. The difference mirrors the types of people. There
are dogs that follow their innate instincts and then again there are pets; animals that have
been domesticated and have lost their true nature.

The description of the interior of Wuthering Heights and most particularly the hearth
symbolize the extent that domestic harmony exists or is absent in the household. There are
times in the novel when the fire roars in the hearth and is reflected off the gleaming copper
pots and others when the hearth is cold. Under Hindley's tyranny, Catherine and
Heathcliff are frequently banished from the warmth of the fire symbolizing their expulsion
from family life.

The characters, settings and images used in Wuthering Heights are the elements that raise
it above a mere gothic story or romance. The novel becomes a fierce examination and
condemnation of the social mores and attitudes of the time. It continues to hold a place in
English Literature because so many of its main concerns still ring true today as they did
when Emily Bronte wrote it.