This declarative sentence highlights two essential elements of Catherine Earnshaw's character. The first is that Cathy, as previously mentioned, is purposely naughty. The adjective "as possible" gives the implication that Cathy could not be more troublesome if she tried- she has dedicated her whole day to being naughty in the hope that she would be scolded by her father. We are told that this is when Cathy is at her happiest, it seems odd that a child enjoys being told off but I feel that this is a part of character building as far as Catherine is concerned. She uses this time of chiding in order to show off her "saucy looks" and "ready words". It is at times like these when she able to portray herself as this headstrong, defiant character off which she thrived. Catherine Earnshaw really is a one-off kind of girl. She could even be a considered a shock to society, in the context of this time women had to conform to a certain 'set of rules' in order to be considered an upright member of society- but not Cathy. .
Secondly, a notable point of this quotation is the independent clause "she sometimes came fondling to make it up at night". This declarative sentence informs us that no matter how naughty Cathy may be, she still has a heart which longs for the love and forgiveness she hopes is available to her through her father, Mr Earnshaw. The dynamic verb "fondling" depicts Cathy putting on a new, softer character at the end of the day in search of the love she lacks. However, the adverb "sometimes" implies that Catherine does not always come in with an apology for her wrong doings of the day. Perhaps it is the sum of nights that Cathy does not ask for forgiveness that leads Mr Earnshaw to reject her on the occasions that she does come "fondling". Or is it out of jealousy for Cathy and Heathcliff's close relationship that Mr Earnshaw rejects Cathy's apology? Further on page 43 we read that in response to Cathy's plea for love Mr Earnshaw says, "I doubt thy mother and I must rue the day we ever reared thee!" .
