# Chapter II explained — Wuthering Heights

> Chapter companion for Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

## What happens

Lockwood returns to Wuthering Heights during a snowstorm and meets the household: Heathcliff, his daughter-in-law (a young, scornful woman), and Hareton Earnshaw. After a tense meal and a failed attempt to leave, Lockwood is attacked by the dogs and forced to stay overnight, aided by Zillah.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Alienation

Lockwood feels out of place and unwelcome, the household is physically isolated by snow, and characters exhibit emotional distance.

### Cruelty and Power

Heathcliff's hatred toward Catherine, the dog attack, and the general inhospitality demonstrate cruelty and power dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Lockwood

Narrator who visits Wuthering Heights, endures cold reception and dog attack, forced to stay overnight.

### Heathcliff

Host, reveals the young woman is his daughter-in-law, shows hatred toward her, laughs at Lockwood's humiliation.

### Catherine Linton

Referred to as Mrs. Heathcliff, young and scornful, refuses to help Lockwood, burns matches, curses the household.

### Hareton Earnshaw

Young man who lets Lockwood in, gruff and defensive, threatens Lockwood, participates in the dog attack.

### Joseph

Vinegar-faced servant, scolds Catherine, milks cows, raises alarm about the stolen lantern.

### Zillah

Housewife who rescues Lockwood from the dogs, splashes water on him, gives him brandy, and shows him to bed.

## Key lines

> Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law

Heathcliff clarifies that the young woman is married to his son, not to him.

_Reveals family relationships and Heathcliff's disdain._

> My name is Hareton Earnshaw

The young man asserts his identity and demands respect.

_Introduces Hareton and his pride in his name._

> I don't want your help

Catherine refuses Lockwood's offer to assist her.

_Shows her scornful and independent attitude._

> I see this house will never do for me—look at t' poor lad, he's fair choking!

Zillah scolds Hareton for the attack on Lockwood and helps him.

_Zillah's intervention provides a moment of kindness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wuthering_heights_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters