Heathcliff And Linton's Relationship

A popular trope seen in literature is that of history repeating itself; the first generation affecting the actions of the next. It is a worthy question to ask how far thus influence goes for the second generation. These are topics frequently brought up with the novel by Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights. The novel deals with the interactions between the residents of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, specifically the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff and the issues that arise from it. In this case, the relationships and personalities of the adults, Catherine Earnshaw, Heathcliff, and Edgar Linton, are mimicked with their children, Catherine Linton, Hareton Earnshaw, and Linton Heathcliff, but only to a certain extent. At first,
In the first generation, Catherine Earnshaw, Edgar Linton, and Heathcliff form a “love triangle” with Hindley Earnshaw as the role of the oppressor. This is mirrored in the progeny with Catherine Linton, Linton Heathcliff, and Hareton Earnshaw, respectively, with Heathcliff as the oppressor in this case. It should be noted that many of the characters’ names stayed in the family line, and probably played a role in them not being able to evolve from the roles predetermined by their ancestors. Also, Heathcliff is seen in both equations, and this plays in part with him playing such a pivotal role in the actions of the characters. Furthermore, the setting greatly affects how the characters and their interrelationships. Heathcliff and Hareton, with their brutishness and savagery, epitomized Wuthering Heights, while Edgar and Linton, with their education and lavishness, symbolize Thrushcross Grange. Denis Donoghue agrees when he says:” Imagination, the will, the animal life, folk wisdom, lore, superstition, ghosts: these are at home in the Heights. The Grange houses reason, formality, thinner blood.” (Donoghue 1) Heathcliff and Hareton have brooding and dark personalities that are most especially brought out in the wildness and gothicness that is Wuthering Heights. Edgar and Linton, in sharp contrast, are reason and probable weakness that is enhanced in
This leads to another difference that should be noted: how different the love between the two couples is portrayed. Heathcliff and Catherine I’s devotion or each other transcended love and romance, and bordered on obsession. In trying to get each other, the characters tear each other apart, and it becomes evident that their affection for each other does them no good. She even ends up practically killing herself because she cannot have the love of her life. Catherine II and Hareton’s love seems more genuine in the sense that they were not out to destroy each other in order to satisfy their own tumultuous desires. Nelly explains this to Lockwood when she says: “… but both their minds tending to the same point – on loving and desiring to esteem, and on loving and desiring to be esteemed – they contrived in the end to reach it.” (Bronte 274) Cathy and Hareton build each other up as people, and the disparity between an irrational and toxic relationship versus a rational and healthy relationship is established. Gerri Kimber agrees with the statement: “There is no grand passion here, but no violence, either. The novel is a stark warning against the former, and, in Hareton and Cathy's reasoned and gentle love, it promotes the latter as the only sane way to live.” (Kimber 2) Catherine I and Heathcliff displayed all of the negative