Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is a tale about emotional isolation and the subsequent tragedies that entail that isolation. Nearly every character in the story isolates themselves from the others, whether it is Heathcliff pushing a sniveling Linton away or Joseph isolating himself through means of religious persecution. However, the most troublesome self-isolation comes from Catherine and her blatant disregard for true love in order to be socially accepted. Catherine desires to be with Heathcliff, yet she lets society decide that Edgar Linton is her best suitor. This is what makes Catherine's emotional isolation from Heathcliff the most upsetting; she realizes the mistake she is making whereas the other characters never really discuss their choices. Catherine and Nelly's conversation in chapter nine gives the most insight into Catherine's decision to shun Heathcliff's love for her. .
When Catherine first appears to Nelly in chapter nine, she is very timid and obviously has something on her mind. Nelly recalls, "The expression of her face seemed disturbed and anxious. Her lips were half asunder, as if she meant to speak; and she drew a breath, but it escaped in a sigh, instead of a sentence- (83). Catherine is in turmoil; she knows Heathcliff loves her; yet she cannot bring herself to commit to him. Catherine's problems increase when Edgar proposes to her. First, she loves Heathcliff but cannot give herself to him because of her social concerns, and then Edgar, a socially acceptable mate, professes his love that she does not return. Although she has already made the decision to marry Edgar, Catherine presents her trouble to Nelly, who seems to be the only person trying to preserve sanity at the Heights. Nelly realizes the trouble that Catherine is in and attempts to correct a serious mistake on Heathcliff's behalf: "[ ] if you are his choice, he'll be the most unfortunate creature that was ever born! As soon as you become Mrs.