Wuthering Heights

            Wuthering Heights is set in the mid 18th century against a background of wealth and social position. This essay summarises the role of main characters in the story. It also discusses Bronte's use of imagery and opposites in relation to both setting and characters to create a rich and vividly descriptive story for the reader.
             Two principal complex characters form the basis of the story line. .
             Catherine Earnshaw lives in Wuthering Heights. Her background is one of wealth and privilege. As a child Catherine was mischievous as described by the servant Nelly Dean "mischievous and wayward. In her childhood her behaviour was not typical of the normal expectations of a "lady" of that social position. She had a tendency to do the opposite of what she should - playing on the moors instead of reading. A wilful girl who loved freedom and the ability to express herself. During this period in her childhood and particularly after the death of her father Catherine's personality develops to the point where she is considered unruly. This culminates into her and Heathcliff, - with whom she has become close during her childhood - trespassing onto the grounds of Thrushcross Grange - the home of the Lintons who, having known Catherine, mistake her for a thief and are appalled at what she has become.
             "Why Cathy, you are quite a beauty" This observation from her brother Hindley demonstrates the change in catherine on her return to Wuthering Heights after the Lintons have looked after her. Bronte is careful to demonstrate that her personality remains unchanged even though her appearance and behaviour appear outwardly different. This change - and the pressure on Catherine to conform leads her to marrying Edgar Linton. Its apparent that she has nothing in common with him and marries him is for the better social position and money it will give her. This is a contradiction over her true personality reflected in the arguments throughout the marriage which make clear that she still has strong feelings for Heathcliff.