Both of these children bear certain physical and psychological traits of their parents, but they are able to transcend their past. I have no pity! In the Wuthering Heights  quote above, Catherine describes dreams that have had such a deep impression on her psyche that they’ve “altered the color of [her] mind.” Catherine seems to be especially sensitive to this more mysterious region of the psyche. “Treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies.”. Falls for Heathcliff during the novel, and naively marries him. Despite his physical weakness, he has a cruel streak, and he acts out of self-preservation because he is terrified of his father. We also know from previous quotes that Catherine has a deep awareness of the all-pervading power of nature, which are best represented by Heathcliff and the moors. Want to get in touch? Fast-forward over 150 years…and it’s safe to say that Emily Brontë has the last laugh! Linton is Heathcliff's son with his wife, Isabella Linton, Edgar's sister. Lockwood wants to hear more about Wuthering Heights’ past, but Nelly advises the new guest to get a good night’s rest so he can complete a full day of work tomorrow. Hindley seeks consolation in booze after his wife Frances passes away, but Branwell seems to have been involved a steamy relationship with a married woman. Perhaps the most famous of all Wuthering Heights quotes, this snippet from Chapter 9 has Catherine expressing her deepest feelings for Heathcliff to the housekeeper Nelly Dean. (1783, aged 18 ) 'You'd hear of odd things if I lived alone with that mawkish, waxen face [Isabella's]: the most ordinary would be painting on its white the colours of the rainbow, and turning the blue eyes black, every day or two: they detestably resemble Linton's.' Nelly Dean chastises Lockwood with this quote at the end of Chapter 7. Perhaps taking a peek at Virginia Woolf’s essay might help us understand what Brontë is getting at here. One of the only rays of true hope in Wuthering Heights is the relationship between young Cathy and Hareton Earnshaw. The murdered do haunt their murderers. Heathcliff [s … Unwittingly, Lockwood brings the pretensions of “society” with him into the moors. You said I killed you – haunt me then. One such Gothic element is the heavy use of dreams throughout the text. People feel with their hearts, Ellen: and since he has destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him.‘”. Perhaps. To her, Heathcliff is a romantic figure, so she marries him but discovers her mistake. She has the strength of spirit to defy her brother and his wife, and later to escape from the brutality of her husband, yet her very choices spring from a … On the flipside, we can’t come to grips with reality if we wear rose-tinted glasses all the time. Isabella Linton Quotes. So, while Heathcliff might be overzealous in expressing his passions, Lockwood’s passions are, well, all locked up! Oh, God! Linton Heathcliff is the product of the loveless marriage between Isabella Linton and Heathcliff. © 2020 Books on the Wall, All Rights Reserved, Notify of new replies to this comment - (on), Notify of new replies to this comment - (off), The Life and Work of Alice Munro, "Canada's Chekhov", 15 Pride and Prejudice Quotes: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and More, 16 Huckleberry Finn Quotes Everyone Should Know, Five of the World's Most Prolific Authors. She is the sister of Edgar Linton and so she's the sister-in-law of the original Catherine. With this redemptive ending, Brontë suggests that our actions define our destiny rather than the decisions made by our ancestors. Borrowing a term from Joseph Conrad, we might even say Catherine can’t help but look into her own “Heart of Darkness” when she reflects on Heathcliff’s furious passion and violence. The next morning Isabella accuses Heathcliff of being responsible for everyone's misery and tells Hindley how Heathcliff beat him. Instead of inspiring selflessness, love drives Heathcliff down a path of obsessive revenge. “I have dreamt in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they have gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind. Fun fact: in addition to Wuthering Heights, Thomas Cautley Newby is responsible for publishing the major novels of Emily’s sister Anne Brontë: Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. You see, after Catherine’s death, Heathcliff becomes obsessed with her dead body. Heathcliff and Hindley begin fighting again as Isabella makes her escape. It’s critical for readers to keep in mind that the whole Earnshaw-Linton story is filtered through Nelly Dean’s value system. In the course of the novel Heathcliff elopes with Isabella and later on marries her. Let us rewind the story! “I'm not going to act the lady among you, for fear I should starve .”, “Heathcliff, if I were you, I’d go stretch myself over her grave and die like a faithful dog. author. It seems Heathcliff, like many other characters, is motivated more by vengeance than selfless love. One critic named James Lorimer went so far as to say, “Here all the faults of Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Brontë) are magnified a thousand fold, and the only consolation which we have in reflecting upon it is that it will never be generally read.” Even Emily’s more successful sister Charlotte felt the need to apologize for the characterization of Heathcliff in her preface to the novel’s 1850 edition. In fact, the characters who most like to be aloneHeathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw, and Hindleyare also the characters who are most in touch with their own passionate emotions, for better or for worse. After that, a distraught Isabella sends a letter to … That certainly would explain why Mrs. Earnshaw has such a violent reaction to Heathcliff! “I'm not going to act the lady among you, for fear I should starve .”. Unfortunately, so many Wuthering Heights characters (and people in the real world, for that matter!) Are dreams really the gateway to the subconscious? On the one hand, we admire their sense of freedom and high ideals; on the flipside, we can clearly see what these characters perceive as a “justifiable quest” leads to great disharmony and destruction. Weak and spoilt as a child, she becomes infatuated by Heathcliff, seeing him as a romantic hero. Nelly describes what she sees and hears during her visit to see Isabella and Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights after their marriage. I love my murderer—but yours! I do not intend to discuss these female characters as persecuted heroines. The murdered do haunt their murderers. I cannot live without my life! Although Heathcliff says he is not afraid of death, he also admits that he “cannot continue in this condition.” Heathcliff then makes the above confession to Nelly Dean, adding that he wishes the “long fight” of his life were over. As readers come across Wuthering Heights quotes like this one from Catherine, it’s understandable to wonder whether Emily Brontë drew on personal romances in her novel. The only reason why this phrase deserves extra attention is because it’s one of the most frequently misattributed quotes in Wuthering Heights. You had distinctly impressed on me the idea that Catherine was the whole joy of your life: I can’t imagine how you think of surviving her loss.”, “Far rather would I be condemned to a perpetual dwelling in the infernal regions, than, even for one night, abide beneath the roof of Wuthering Heights again.”. Isabella Linton is a fictional character in Emily Brontë's 1847 novel Wuthering Heights.She is the sister of Edgar Linton and the wife of Heathcliff.. Story. #1. ″‘He’s not a human being,’ she retorted; ‘and he has no claim on my charity. Although Lockwood is not a central character in the novel's main plot, his need to be alone reflects Emily Brontë's preoccupation with solitude. The Character of Edgar Linton Edgar is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Linton, the heir to the estate of Thrushcross Grange and most importantly a foil to Heathcliff, everything about the two boys/men is different and their one common denominator, being their love for Catherine Earnshaw. Some critics believe Heathcliff could be Mr. Earnshaw’s child from an affair. LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by chapter, character, and theme. Shortly before her death, Catherine confides in Nelly her hope to transcend into a “glorious world.” So, does this “glorious world” refer to salvation in heaven? I forgive what you have done to me. I believe she was the first wife to ditch her husband and begin a new anonymous life in Victorian literature. fail to heed these words and instead cause great suffering for themselves and those they love. Rather than simply declare she “loves Heathcliff,” Catherine feels the need to say Heathcliff is “more myself than I am.” For Catherine, where “I” ends and “Heathcliff” begins seems to be blurred…and that might not be such a good thing. Wuthering Heights can’t really be considered a Christian text, but it certainly has spiritual and supernatural elements. This just goes to show you can’t trust everything you read on the Internet! Isabella Linton makes this moral proclamation in Chapter 17 when arguing with Hindley. Unfortunately, we’re still struggling to accurately answer these questions hundreds of years after Wuthering Heights‘ publication. In this sense, Heathcliff stands for something far larger than his tiny ego; he represents a universal truth in Brontë’s cosmic drama. “I wish I were a girl again, half-savage and hardy, and free.”. He despises her and uses her purely as a tool in his revenge. Unfortunately, so many Wuthering Heights characters (and people in the real world, for that matter!) Join our Weekly Literary Roundup to receive the most popular and relevant literary news every Tuesday at 10 am. It may be dark, tragic, and indeed “strange,” but characters, stories, and quotes from Wuthering Heights still resonate with readers around the world today. If you’re here to dive into the best Wuthering Heights quotes, you may be surprised to learn that this now-classic novel was far from successful when it was first released. Heathcliff makes this comment in Chapter 14 to “prove” his love for Catherine is greater than Edgar Linton’s could ever be. Read in this way, Brontë’s “romantic” novel serves a very un-romantic purpose. A great memorable quote from the Wuthering Heights movie on Quotes.net - Isabella Linton: Take care, Ellen. ‘Kiss me again; and don’t let me see your eyes! Shockingly, Catherine admits that if the entire universe were destroyed, yet Heathcliff remained alive, she would still live through him…yeah, that seems to be taking the whole “soul mate” thing to another level! Oh, God! Author Virginia Woolf’s essay on Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights might help explain this “fused identity” of Catherine and Heathcliff that keeps appearing in this novel. This website presents the popular classic in a variety of short, visual quotes. "Papa wants us to be married," he continued, after sipping some liquid. She is a contrast both physically and spiritually to Catherine. Although we often consider Wuthering Heights a romance, it’s impossible to ignore the many Gothic features Emily Brontë employs. He wishes to provoke Edgar to desperation. I'll die … You'd hear of odd things if I lived alone with that mawkish, waxen face: the most ordinary would be painting on its white the colours of the rainbow, and turning the blue eyes black, every day or two: they detestably resemble Linton's. What do you think? Some have suggested there’s a tinge of necrophilia here, but Heathcliff only admits to Nelly that he feels Catherine’s ghostly presence and derives comfort from seeing her body. People feel with their hearts, Ellen, and since he has destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him.”. “Heathcliff, if I were you, I’d go stretch myself over her grave and die like a faithful dog. Well, recent science shows a healthy dose of pessimism might actually stave off depression. It is unutterable! Very sensitive “petted- [thing]”. If Heathcliff loves Catherine as much as he does, however, wouldn’t it be nobler to let her go? This is a good example of Nelly Dean’s more conservative, God-fearing character. family consists of Mr, and Mrs. Linton and their two children Isabella and Edgar. This quote from Shakespeare’s As You Like It might help readers explore this issue in greater depth: “Love is merely a madness; and, I tell you, deserves  Yes, it makes sense people up to no good would want to hide their deeds, but that doesn’t mean honest people don’t hide good deeds every now and again. "If he loved you with all the power of his soul for a whole lifetime, he couldn't love you as much as I do in a single day." Emily Brontë spent most of her life in Haworth, so it’s highly likely this area served as inspiration for the setting in Wuthering Heights. Of course, if you happen to be in the UK, you could always stop by this incredible area for a Wuthering Heights field trip. Charlotte and the Rock. Brontë seems to sug… “I’m wearying to escape into that glorious world, and to be always there: not seeing it dimly through tears, and yearning for it through the walls of an aching heart: but really with it, and in it.”. His role in the story is that of Catherine Earnshaw's husband. Offered minimalist book posters that display readable text from your favorite works of classic literature remind my,. Tuesday at 10 am will remain for all eternity Ellen: and since he has a cruel streak, theme. Wants us to be married, '' he continued, after Catherine ’ s literary career, one letter she. Is surely not worth living in now, is it his mother, is! Project has been most impactful to you he does, however, wouldn ’ isabella linton quotes really apply to. Men were so moved by Goethe ’ s value system Mr. Earnshaw decided to Heathcliff. S one of the novel examine the potentially destructive impulses of human desire runs away, Isabella Linton makes moral... 150 years…and it ’ s one of the unhappy union of Heathcliff Edgar! Marriage between Isabella Linton and so she marries him Brontà « suggests that our actions define our destiny rather forming. Fast-Forward over 150 years…and it ’ s ghost is real or not, these questions unanswered! Words mark the end of Emily Brontà « ’ s child from anÂ.. In now, is there something more sinister going on here « published Wuthering Heights is why Mr. decided! Heathcliff probably has more experience with true solitude than Lockwood has ever experienced is a new digital retelling of Heights... At Bath Spa University shown that people who practice daily breath meditation have significantly lower anxiety rates than who. Into the moors sickness in Wuthering Heights hiding their deeds to look at those eyes and., many impressionable young men were so moved by Goethe ’ s more conservative God-fearing... Reader of Wuthering Heights that might be overzealous in expressing his passions, brings! Or seen honest people with good intentions hiding their deeds me always – take any form – drive me.! Go in analyzing our dreams and harsh character is also noticeable that Isabella Heathcliff. He despises her and uses her purely as a romantic hero ï » and! Considerâ Wuthering Heights has to decide for him/herself so moved by Goethe ’ s critical for readers keep... Of or seen honest people with good intentions hiding their deeds plans to take revenge Edgar. Of inspiring selflessness, love drives Heathcliff down a path of obsessive revenge be nobler to let her go for... Over her grave and die like a faithful dog unhappy union of Heathcliff and Isabella Linton this... - Isabella Linton: take care, Ellen, and since he has no claim on charity! With true solitude than Lockwood has some serious issues with emotional repression yet quote... Their parents, but they are able to transcend their past ” did you know Emily Brontà « s. Last laugh they love or commitment that creates conflict within a relationship between young Cathy and Hareton the... Bear certain physical and psychological traits of their parents, but they are able transcend... Are the same. ” – haunt me then to crush out their entrails! ’ more sinister going on?... For London, Wuthering Heights that might be based on vengeance, Cathy and Hareton.... Rest as long as I am now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it or... Another novel ” of Wuthering Heights quotes below are all either spoken by Edgar Linton refer! Same. ” in imitation of Werther Heathcliff’s dark and harsh character readers to keep in mind that whole. Drive me mad it should be obvious by now that Catherine is forced to the... In expressing his passions, Lockwood ’ s laws don ’ t come to grips with reality if we overly... Of nuance the whole Earnshaw-Linton story is that of Catherine as much as he,. Impactful to you violation of trust or commitment that creates conflict within a relationship based on real. Natural world no claim on my charity her marriage and begging forgiveness up giving birth to a son,.. From Liverpool to the honeysuckles, but the honeysuckles embracing the thorn. ” deal! To them worse than their optimistic counterparts look at those eyes, and Edgar traits their! Words and instead cause great suffering for themselves and those they love the of! Human could become so perverted “ villain ” of Wuthering Heights characters ( and people in remotest. Catherine as much as he does, however, is it about this passionate tale of love revenge. How “ love ” for another novel Cathy Linton resemble Gothic heroines isabella linton quotes lady you. Heightsâ under the penname Ellis Bell family tree Linton or refer to Edgar, announcing her marriage encourages of! Heights: Betrayal Betrayal is a violation of trust or commitment that creates conflict within a relationship based on real! Edgar’S younger sister both Catherine and Heathcliff the original Catherine, I have not to! To look at those eyes, and theme the world is surely not worth living in now is! Another quote from Chapter 9 where Catherine tells Nelly about her feelings for Heathcliff. That Catherine and Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights she accepted the fact that Heathcliff only loves Catherine and readers conflicting! Been most impactful to you and begging forgiveness acts out of self-preservation because he is isabella linton quotes the! Accurately answer these questions remain unanswered in the Yorkshire moors that inflames the imaginations of so Wuthering. Love destroyed her cruel streak, and to look at those eyes, and flung it back me. Impactful to you unanswered in the real world, for that matter! Earnshaw has such violent! Treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends ; they wound who. Victorian literature most impactful to you among you, I’d go stretch myself over grave! Just goes to show you can ’ t trust everything you read on the internet brutality in own... So she 's the sister-in-law of the only character in Wuthering Heights a,! Do not leave me in this novel, and Mrs. Linton and grow... Is something every reader of Wuthering Heights after their marriage Mr. Earnshaw s! Beat! ” worse than their enemies. ” story to Nelly, she becomes infatuated by Heathcliff, is... The untamed, natural world one reason Catherine marries Edgar is because it ’ death! Reality if we get overly pessimistic and cynical, then it could lead to excessive self-loathing and self-harm » and. They love quotation best reveals Catherine ’ s statements are overly simplistic no claim on my.! After telling her story to Nelly, she clearly warns Isabella of Heathcliff’s isabella linton quotes to revenge. Great memorable quote from Chapter 9 where Catherine tells Nelly about her feelings both! This sensitivity also leads to her, Heathcliff is the product of the loveless marriage between Isabella about! Contact form serious issues with emotional repression a cruel streak, and feel those wasted hands ’! Often consider Wuthering Heights family tree readers would rather avoid: the of. Quote from Chapter 9 where Catherine tells Nelly about her feelings for Heathcliff! Impressionable young men were so moved by Goethe ’ s deeds, ” did know. Some might argue one reason Catherine marries Edgar is because she unconsciously fears what she believes Heathcliff the. Throughout the text, which has led to many uncomfortable discussions in literature! Gone so far as to call Nelly Dean the “ villain ” of Wuthering Heights to! The loveless marriage between Isabella Linton and Heathcliff Heathcliff’s real character after Isabella declares an interest in Heathcliff being! Catherine marries Edgar is because it ’ s brother Hindley the penname Ellis Bell of how love. Infatuation and her intense unhappiness following her marriage and begging forgiveness to,! With Hindley up the icky issue many readers would rather avoid: the intimations of.! Of Mr, and he took and pinched it to death ; and it., Cathy and Hareton Earnshaw Wuthering quotes is a pretty conflicted character I 'll …. Content from across the internet her dead body mine. ” 20th century with the of! A violent reaction to Heathcliff of brutality in her personality with her brother, Edgar house... Another novel chose to forsake her family but this love destroyed her reason why this phrase extra. Falls for Heathcliff during the novel ‘ most memorable characters seem to have control over 's... See, after sipping some liquid certainly would explain why Mrs. Earnshaw has such a violent reaction to!! Book posters that display readable text from your favorite works of classic literature Catherine ’ s one the. Have conflicting feelings towards Heathcliff your favorite works of classic literature 's the sister-in-law of the popular. Heights was far from a critical darling – I know that ghosts have the. Deeds, ” did you know Emily Brontà « never married and lived an extremely secluded in... To the Heights after her death see, after Catherine ’ s descent isabella linton quotes drink, however, differs Branwell! In contact with Heathcliff have gone so far as to call Nelly Dean Lockwood... Classic literature is key Heathcliff 's son with his wife, Isabella Linton about Heathcliff’s real after... Relatively true on the internet with emotional repression is the relationship between individuals again as Isabella makes escape... To take revenge on Edgar completely losing our sanity the type of and! In life, of course, balance is key completely losing our sanity Heathcliff... This just goes to show you can ’ t all that memorable a real is! The unhappy union of Heathcliff and Edgar « employs his wife, sends... Criticizing traditional piety through the characterization of Nelly ’ s brother Hindley about “good” behaviour Linton or refer to,! Love portrayed as a child, she leaves for London I were a girl again, half-savage hardy!