A True Heroine In Wuthering Heights Essays

A True Heroine In Wuthering Heights Essays A True Heroine In Wuthering Heights Paper A True Heroine In Wuthering Heights Paper Essay Topic: Wuthering Heights The story of Emile Brontes Wuthering Heights takes place during a time in history when women existed and were important to family and society, but had no legal or social rights, as their well-being, health and happiness depended upon the men in their lives. From the start of the novel, as told by Mr. Lockwood we see that Cathy did not seem to belong in the Heathcliff household, but by the end of the story, it was Cathy who owned the entire Wuthering Heights estate. Her accomplishments were impressive, as she over came whatever obstacles the men in her life put in her way! Bronte emphasized Cathys passion, and determination, making her the only character who was able to rise above the hatred, discrimination and cruelty. Cathy inherited her mothers pride and beauty, and her fathers mildness and devotion but she also had a spirit all her own, a fighting spirit of a hidden warrior. It was important for Cathy to have these characteristics (especially her will to survive) because it was these inner strengths that enabled her to be my heroine. One of Cathys strongest forces was her intense loyalty and love for her father I care for nothing in comparison to papa, Ill never to an act or say a word to vex him (231). I love papa better then you (273). Cathy was the only character in this novel and Jane Eyre that actually showed love, and dedication to a parent. Her respect for her father is an important aspect in Cathys character as it made her an honourable woman. A strong-willed Cathy enjoyed disobeying orders from Nelly as a child, and continued to do so as she grew up by sneaking letters to Linton. I wish you to avoid his house and family (223). She continued to develop a relationship with Linton, although it became clear very early that they were not meant to be together. He had no spirit, was spiteful and demanded constant attention, but it was because Linton was so defenseless and an easy target for Heathcliff that Cathy had feelings for him. They were not feelings of true love, but a desire, or duty to protect and support Linton, in his days of need. It was as if Cathy sacrificed herself for Lintons well being. Cathys sympathy and humanity for Linton was impressive and courageous. Im not crying for myself Ellen, its for him- He expected to see me again tomorrow, hell be so disappointed (224). Even though my heroines goal was to please Linton, when he pushed too hard, she also had the resolve to fight back Cathy, beside herself, gave the chair a violent push (239). And, unlike everyone else who feared Heathcliff she had no problem in attacking him. You cant make us hate each other, I defy you to hurt him, I defy you to frighten me (287). Catherine told Hareton who she was and where she was going and asked him to show her the way (197). It was fate that she met Hareton through her relationship with Linton, but my heroine had to be patient before she experienced her own happiness. It was Cathys strength which enabled her to survive the torture and suffering during her days as Lintons wife and Heathcliffs prisoner. This awful experience only made her a better person. It prepared her for her destiny as Haretons wife and as landlord of Wuthering Heights. Bronte wanted the reader to have confidence in Cathys future success by displaying her heroic attributes; having the stamina to endure those long, lonely days separated from her dying father. At one point, Heathcliff owned all of Wuthering Heights and the Grange, but Cathy still showed spirit and optimism by planting a delicate flower bed in the middle of the dark and depressed black currant trees. This rebellious act showed Cathys passion for life, as she looked at her beautiful flowers as a new healthy and fresh beginning (Lybyer, online). Perhaps Cathys garden represented her future achievements as a blossoming flower amongst the weeds. As she was determined to overcome injustice, she stated You shouldnt grudge a few yards of earth for me to ornament, when you have taken all my land and my money, and Haretons land and his money (319). Cathy was a heroine who showed that it is possible to rise above adversity not with revenge, but with forgiveness, and dignity. As Ellen observed, Miss Cathy, conversant with no bad deeds, except her own slight acts of disobedience, repented on the day they were committed, was amazed at the blackness of spirit that could brood on and cover revenge for years (223). Cathy had something just as powerful as the will to survive, she was humane, and she was able to forgive and forget. At the end of the novel, Cathy married Hareton. Their relationship was one of happiness and true love. Ill come and teach him to read it right, if he refuses Ill go upstairs and never tease him again (314). She knew that Heathcliff tried to corrupt Hareton, He will never be bale to emerge from his bathos of coarseness and ignorance (219). She realized that Heathcliff only succeeded on the surface. Deep down in spite of his influence Hareton remained a kind, innocent, loving man, a perfect match for my heroine. The pupil claimed a reward and received at least five kisses, which he generously returned (308). Cathy was now at peace with herself and with life; something that none of the first generation of characters was able to achieve (especially her own mother) Cathy triumphed over adversity in a subtle, almost innocent way. She won back the land that was rightfully hers and Haretons. It is true that eventually Heathcliff merely gave up the fight, but it was Cathys spirit for life and hatred of revenge which allowed justice to prevail. When other characters in the novel were gloomy, sinister and sad, Cathy was a breath of fresh air, giving the reader a feeling of calmness. She also proved that good can win over evil and that humanity goes hand in hand with success. For all these reasons, Cathy must be respected and honored as a true heroine of Wuthering Heights. Bibliography : References : Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. Ed. Ian Jack. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981. Jack, Ian, ed. Introduction. Wuthering Heights. By Emily Bronte. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981 Lybyer, J. M. Cliffs Notes on Wuthering Heights. Ed. Gary Carey. Inc. Lincoln, Nebraska, 1982 (Also, Available Online. April 2002. cliffsnotes. com. Downloaded product) Works Consulted: Abitbol, Jen. Colonial Visions of the Other (Wuthering Heights), University of Montreal. April 2002. Novel Guide: Novel Analysis: Wuthering Heights. April 2002. Online. Available: novelguide. com/wutheringheights/novelsummary. html Novel Guide: Character Analysis: Wuthering Heights. April 2002. Online. Available: novelguide. com/wutheringheights/characterprofiles. html