Wuthering Heights Summary – Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte‘s only novel, captivates readers with its unforgettable tale. Originally released in 1847 under the pen name of Ellis Bell, this masterful novel showcases Emily’s prodigious talent. Following Emily’s passing, her sister Charlotte bravely unveiled the second edition, ensuring the world recognized Emily’s true authorship.

Summary Of The Wuthering Heights

During his stay at Thrushcross Grange, Mr. Lockwood, an outsider who has rented a property there, pays a visit to Mr. Heathcliff, the landlord and lessee of the grange. Lockwood is deeply impressed by Heathcliff’s solemn demeanor during their initial encounter. On his second visit, Lockwood has an unusual and eerie experience where he encounters the enigmatic inhabitants of Wuthering Heights, the neighboring estate.

Furthermore, he is frightened by a pack of aggressive dogs as he attempts to depart, enduring a ghostly presence that haunts him throughout the night. Seeking answers, Lockwood seeks the assistance of Grange’s housekeeper, Ellen Dean, affectionately known as Nelly, who possesses valuable insights into the enigmatic figure of Heathcliff and the intricacies of Wuthering Heights. Nelly, assuming the role of narrator, proceeds to unfold the intricate tale of the intertwined Earnshaw and Linton families.

Mr. Earnshaw, a respectable man, is the proud owner of Wuthering Heights. Within his family, he has not one, but two children named Hindley and Catherine. Additionally, he generously adopts a young man named Heathcliff. However, Hindley harbors deep-seated jealousy towards Heathcliff as he witnesses his father and sister show affection towards the newcomer.

Consequently, Hindley’s resentment towards Heathcliff grows strong. To maintain peace, Mr. Earnshaw decides to send Hindley away to college for a while. During his absence, Catherine and Heathcliff grow inseparable and develop an extraordinary bond. Tragically, Mr. Earnshaw passes away, leaving behind his beloved estate. Hindley, now returning with his newlywed wife, seeks to lay claim to Wuthering Heights. Still consumed by bitterness, Hindley subjects Heathcliff to a life of servitude, ending his education abruptly. In a cruel twist of fate, Hindley’s wife succumbs to death shortly after giving birth to their son, Hareton. Hindley, unable to cope, succumbs to the destructive path of alcoholism, persisting in his mistreatment of the unfortunate Heathcliff.

Meanwhile, Heathcliff and Catherine develop a fascination with the opulent Linton family. The Lintons consist of two children, Edgar and Isabella, who seem very polished and refined compared to the somewhat untamed residents of Wuthering Heights. While observing the Lintons, Catherine sustains an injury and is compelled to stay with them for a period of five weeks.

During her time there, she becomes increasingly attached to Edgar. Catherine is captivated by Edgar’s wealth and fair looks, although her affections for Heathcliff burn with a more intense fervor. Despite this, Catherine confides in Nelly that she cannot wed Heathcliff due to the degradation she has endured at the hands of Hindley. Unbeknownst to Catherine, Heathcliff overheard their conversation and consequently flees from Wuthering Heights on that very night.

After Heathcliff’s departure, a heartbroken Catherine decides to wed Edgar Linton, and they decide to settle down at Thrushcross Grange. Everything seems to be going smoothly until the unexpected reappearance of a wealthy and respectable Heathcliff, still retaining his untamed and fierce nature. Much to her joy, Catherine warmly welcomes Heathcliff back into her life, a sentiment not reciprocated by her husband, Edgar. Despite Edgar’s disapproval, Catherine persists in meeting with Heathcliff clandestinely. Meanwhile, Heathcliff relocates to Wuthering Heights. Hindley, who has succumbed to gambling addiction, extends an invitation to Heathcliff, driven by his desire for Heathcliff’s newfound fortune.

Shortly thereafter, Catherine confides in Nelly, revealing that Isabella has grown fond of Heathcliff. Catherine stumbles upon the two engaged in an intimate embrace, igniting a passionate rivalry between Edgar and Heathcliff. Following their heated confrontation, Edgar implores Catherine to make a decision between them. Consumed by distress, Catherine retreats into the seclusion of her chamber, abstaining from nourishment for a duration of three days. By the third day, she succumbs to delirium, convinced of her impending demise. Coincidentally, on that very night, Heathcliff elopes with Isabella, leaving Catherine behind in a state of utter desolation.

For a span of two months, Edgar diligently tended to Catherine’s well-being, witnessing a slight improvement in her health, although not a complete recovery. Remarkably, during this period, Catherine made a startling revelation that she was indeed expecting a child. Concerned deeply for Catherine’s fragile state, Heathcliff bravely decided to pay an unexpected visit to Thrushcross Grange while Edgar was temporarily absent.

In an emotional and tearful reunion, the unbreakable and boundless love between Heathcliff and Catherine was fervently declared, even though Edgar’s prompt return interrupted their heartfelt moment, leaving Catherine utterly drained. When night fell, Catherine valiantly gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Cathy, but regrettably, she swiftly succumbed to the hands of mortality shortly after. The moors, a cherished place of childhood memories and playful adventures shared with Heathcliff, became Catherine’s final resting place.

Isabella’s escape from Wuthering Heights occurred after a mere forty-eight hours. Seeking refuge in a quaint town neighboring London, Isabella eventually delivers her newborn son, Linton, whose father is none other than Heathcliff. Following a span of half a year, Hindley succumbs to the herculean weight of his debts and with his passing, Heathcliff inherits the cherished estate of Wuthering Heights. Subsequently, Heathcliff embarks on a ruthlessly calculated path, mirroring Hindley’s past treatment of him, and subjects Hareton to the role of a subservient servant.

After the passage of twelve years, Cathy blossoms into a stunning young lady, while Hareton transforms into an untamed young gentleman. Unfortunately, Isabella passes away, and Edgar brings Linton back to Thrushcross Grange. However, Heathcliff manages to convince Linton to reside with him at Wuthering Heights.

A peculiar bond forms between Cathy, who possesses a strong determination, and the feeble-willed Linton, thanks to Heathcliff’s manipulation. Edgar initially prohibits Cathy from interacting with Linton, but as her health deteriorates, he reluctantly grants her permission to meet Linton either at Thrushcross Grange or at the Heights. One fateful day, during a meeting with Linton on the vast moors, Cathy is forcibly detained by Heathcliff and held captive at Wuthering Heights until she succumbs to marrying Linton.

After the unfortunate demise of her father, Cathy successfully flees from Wuthering Heights. However, her freedom is short-lived as Heathcliff persuades her to return. Following Edgar’s burial alongside Catherine, Linton passes away shortly thereafter. Exhibiting exceptional legal skills, Heathcliff cunningly seizes both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Despite her reluctance, Cathy agrees to reside with Heathcliff and Hareton at Wuthering Heights, enduring mockery from Hareton due to her illiteracy. As Lockwood concludes the unfolding narrative, he duly reminds us of his tenancy at Thrushcross Grange in the present day.

After Lockwood’s brief departure from London, he finds himself once again traversing the same surroundings six months later. To the great surprise of all, a wondrous love blossoms between Cathy and Hareton. Deeply perceptive, Cathy discerns the profound virtues of Hareton, obscured by his lack of formal education. Heathcliff, observing a striking resemblance between Cathy and Catherine, relinquishes the desire for vengeance that once consumed him. When he ultimately departs from this world, he is laid to rest beside Catherine, though on the opposite end from where Edgar is interred. Liberated from the influence of intrusive adults, Cathy and Hareton, with unswerving affection, formulate their plans to marry and embark upon an exhilarating journey to Thrushcross Grange.