# Chapter IV explained — Wuthering Heights

> Chapter companion for Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

## What happens

Nelly Dean begins her story, recounting Mr. Earnshaw's journey to Liverpool where he discovers and brings home a dirty, ragged, black-haired child—Heathcliff. The family reacts with hostility, especially Hindley, while Catherine forms a close bond with the newcomer. Nelly describes the growing tensions, Heathcliff's quiet endurance, and Mr. Earnshaw's increasing favoritism toward him, which breeds resentment in Hindley.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Generational Conflict

Mr. Earnshaw's favoritism toward Heathcliff creates deep resentment in Hindley, setting the stage for generational strife.

### Cruelty and Power

Hindley's physical abuse of Heathcliff and the family's initial rejection highlight the cruelty inherent in power dynamics.

### Isolation and Alienation

Heathcliff is an outsider, described as a 'gipsy brat' and 'interloper,' alienated from the family except for Catherine.

## Character check-ins

### Nelly Dean

Narrates the history of Wuthering Heights, recalling her childhood as a servant and her initial dislike of Heathcliff.

### Heathcliff

Introduced as a sullen, patient child brought from Liverpool; endures abuse from Hindley but shows a calculating side.

### Hindley Earnshaw

Resents Heathcliff as a usurper of his father's affections; physically abuses him and grows bitter.

### Catherine Earnshaw

Initially spits at Heathcliff but soon becomes 'very thick' with him, forming a close bond.

### Mr. Earnshaw

The old master who brings Heathcliff home; shows strange favoritism toward him, causing family discord.

### Mr. Lockwood

The listener who prompts Nelly to tell the story; feels unwell and excited after his experiences.

## Key lines

> I was vain of his commendations, and softened towards the being by whose means I earned them, and thus Hindley lost his last ally

Nelly became proud of the doctor's praise for nursing Heathcliff, which made her kinder to him and ended her alliance with Hindley.

_Nelly reflects on how her care for Heathcliff shifted her loyalties._

> He seemed a sullen, patient child; hardened, perhaps, to ill-treatment: he would stand Hindley's blows without winking or shedding a tear

Heathcliff appeared to be a gloomy but enduring boy, likely accustomed to abuse, as he never flinched or cried when Hindley hit him.

_Describes Heathcliff's stoic response to Hindley's violence._

> Miss Cathy and he were now very thick; but Hindley hated him: and to say the truth I did the same

Catherine and Heathcliff became close companions, while Hindley and Nelly both disliked him.

_Highlights the divided relationships in the household._

## Links

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