Wuthering Heights · Chapter
V explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Earnshaw's health declines, making him irritable and protective of Heathcliff. Hindley's scorn provokes his father's fury, leading to Hindley being sent to college. Joseph gains influence over the ailing master, constantly complaining about Catherine and Heathcliff. Catherine is described as wild, mischievous, and deeply attached to Heathcliff. Mr. Earnshaw dies quietly by the fire, and Catherine and Heathcliff comfort each other after discovering his death.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Generational Conflict
Mr. Earnshaw's favoritism toward Heathcliff creates tension with Hindley, while Catherine's defiance and Joseph's manipulation deepen family discord.
Cruelty and Power
Joseph exploits Mr. Earnshaw's weakness to gain influence, and Catherine's 'pretended insolence' exerts power over Heathcliff, showing how cruelty and control operate within the household.
Love and Destruction
Catherine and Heathcliff's deep bond is both a comfort and a source of conflict; their mutual devotion is highlighted in their grief after Mr. Earnshaw's death.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Earnshaw
Failing in health, irritable, and fiercely protective of Heathcliff; dies quietly in his chair.
- Heathcliff
Lies with his head in Catherine's lap; mourns Mr. Earnshaw's death with her.
- Catherine Earnshaw
Mischievous, spirited, and deeply fond of Heathcliff; discovers her father's death and grieves.
- Hindley Earnshaw
Shows scorn toward Heathcliff, provoking his father; is sent to college.
- Joseph
Self-righteous servant who gains influence over Mr. Earnshaw by sermonizing and complaining about Catherine and Heathcliff.
- Nelly Dean
Narrates the events; observes the household dynamics and mourns Mr. Earnshaw's death.
Key passages
“He was, and is yet most likely, the wearisomest self-righteous Pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself and fling the curses to his neighbours.”
Joseph is the most tiresome, hypocritical religious zealot, using the Bible to claim blessings for himself and condemn others.
Nelly's harsh characterization of Joseph's manipulative piety.
“A wild, wicked slip she was—but she had the bonniest eye, the sweetest smile, and lightest foot in the parish: and, after all, I believe she meant no harm; for when once she made you cry in good earnest, it seldom happened that she would not keep you company, and oblige you to be quiet that you might comfort her.”
Catherine was a mischievous and unruly child, yet charming and beautiful; she never intended cruelty, often comforting those she upset.
Nelly's ambivalent description of Catherine's character.
“The little souls were comforting each other with better thoughts than I could have hit on: no parson in the world ever pictured heaven so beautifully as they did, in their innocent talk; and, while I sobbed and listened, I could not help wishing we were all there safe together.”
Catherine and Heathcliff consoled each other with an innocent, beautiful vision of heaven that surpassed any preacher's sermon, making Nelly wish they could all be there together.
The children's pure and mutual comfort after Mr. Earnshaw's death.