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Wuthering Heights Chapter 11
One day, Nelly passed by the road to the Heights on her way to Gimmerton, when she was seized with an urge to visit the Heights. She was suddenly afraid that something was wrong with little Hareton, whom she had not seen in nearly a year. When she reached the gate, she saw that the boy was physically fine, but mentally and emotionally stunted. He did not remember her, and threw a rock at her. He cursed her, God, and his father--all lessons he learned from Heathcliff. Nelly sent the boy to get Hindley, but when Heathcliff appeared, Nelly ran away.
Topic Tracking: Supernatural 4
Topic Tracking: Violence 10
Seeing how Heathcliff turned Hindley's own son against him, Nelly became more determined to keep Isabella away from him. One day he came to the Heights, and when he thought no one was looking, he kissed Isabella! Nelly saw, and told Catherine. Catherine, who had asked Heathcliff to leave Isabella alone, started yelling at him. He was using Isabella to hurt Catherine, who he claimed had treated him terribly. He told her:
"I seek no revenge on you....That's not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him; they crush those beneath him...Having levelled my place, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home." Chapter 11, pg. 103
Catherine told Heathcliff that like the devil, his only joy lies in causing suffering. His ill-treatment of her relatives is surely the quickest way to revenge her.
Nelly left them to find Mr. Linton. She told him about the kiss, and the argument with Mrs. Linton. Angrily, he sent for several servants to help remove Heathcliff from the house. Edgar belittled Heathcliff, but would not fight him. Catherine urged him to do so, taunting her husband with his weakness. Heathcliff is much larger, and the delicate Edgar has a trembling fit. Finally, provoked by Heathcliff, Edgar punched him in the throat. Edgar left as Heathcliff recovered himself, and Heathcliff reluctantly left before Edgar and his servants returned. Catherine was wild with anger, and determined to get her own revenge:
"Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend--if Edgar will be mean and jealous, I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own. That will be a prompt way of finishing all, when I am pushed to extremity!" Chapter 11, pg. 107
When Edgar returned, he gave Catherine an ultimatum--her husband or her friend. Catherine ran from the room, and had a violent, breathless fit. Edgar was worried, but Nelly told him Catherine was faking. At this statement, Catherine ran to her room, and stayed there, refusing to eat. Edgar did not ask about Catherine; he made sure that Isabella knew that any union with Heathcliff would sever her from the family.
