# VII explained — Wuthering Heights

> Chapter companion for Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

## What happens

Nelly Dean continues her story, describing Heathcliff's jealousy of Edgar Linton and his desire for revenge against Hindley. After a violent outburst at dinner, Heathcliff is locked in the garret, but Catherine sneaks away from a Christmas party to visit him. Nelly reflects on Heathcliff's suffering and his vow to pay Hindley back. The chapter ends with Lockwood insisting Nelly continue her tale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Cycle of Violence

Heathcliff explicitly plans revenge on Hindley, stating 'I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last.'

### Social Class and Inequality

Heathcliff laments his lack of wealth and appearance compared to Edgar Linton, and is physically excluded from the family dinner.

### Cruelty and Power

Hindley abuses his authority over Heathcliff, shoving him and locking him in the garret, while Heathcliff's violent retaliation shows the cycle of cruelty.

## Character check-ins

### Heathcliff

Expresses jealousy of Edgar Linton's appearance and social standing; vows revenge on Hindley; is locked in the garret after throwing hot sauce at Edgar.

### Nelly Dean

Attempts to comfort and advise Heathcliff; observes Catherine's hidden distress; facilitates Catherine's visit to Heathcliff in the garret.

### Catherine Earnshaw

Shows outward indifference but secretly weeps for Heathcliff; sneaks away from the party to visit him in the garret.

### Hindley Earnshaw

Treats Heathcliff cruelly, shoving him and locking him in the garret; hosts the Christmas party.

### Edgar Linton

Makes an innocent remark about Heathcliff's long hair, provoking Heathcliff's violent reaction.

### Isabella Linton

Present at the dinner; weeps after the altercation; later has no dance partner.

### Joseph

Ordered by Hindley to keep Heathcliff out of the room; refers to the Christmas music as 'devil's psalmody'.

### Mr. Lockwood

Urges Nelly to continue the story despite the late hour; expresses fascination with the characters.

## Key lines

> Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves.

Those who are too proud end up causing their own unhappiness.

_Nelly advises Heathcliff to humble himself and apologize to Catherine._

> I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last.

I am planning my revenge on Hindley, and I am willing to wait as long as it takes to achieve it.

_Heathcliff reveals his deep desire for vengeance to Nelly._

> No, God won't have the satisfaction that I shall.

God will not get the pleasure of punishing Hindley; I will do it myself.

_Heathcliff rejects Nelly's suggestion to leave punishment to God._

## Links

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