XIX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Generational Conflict

  The custody battle over Linton Heathcliff between Edgar Linton and Heathcliff underscores the ongoing generational strife and the legacy of past grievances.

• Isolation and Alienation

  Linton's frail, withdrawn demeanor and his reluctance to engage with Catherine highlight his emotional isolation after his mother's death.

Characters to notice

• Catherine Linton

  Excitedly awaits her father's return and eagerly anticipates meeting her cousin Linton, showing her affectionate and playful nature.

• Edgar Linton

  Returns from a journey after Isabella's death, bringing his nephew Linton; he is patient with the boy but sorrowful at the prospect of losing him to Heathcliff.

• Linton Heathcliff

  Arrives at Thrushcross Grange as a pale, delicate, and fretful child, grieving his mother and showing little interest in his cousin Catherine.

• Nelly Dean

  Observes and assists with the arrival, noting Linton's frailty and the tension when Joseph comes to claim him for Heathcliff.

• Joseph

  Arrives at Thrushcross Grange on Heathcliff's orders to demand Linton's return, speaking with sanctimonious authority.

• Heathcliff

  Indirectly present through Joseph's demand; he insists on reclaiming his son Linton, overriding Edgar's guardianship.

Key passages

• “A letter, edged with black, announced the day of my master's return. Isabella was dead; and he wrote to bid me get mourning for his daughter, and arrange a room, and other accommodations, for his youthful nephew.”

  A black-bordered letter informed Nelly of Edgar's return date, stating that Isabella had died and that she should prepare mourning clothes for Catherine and a room for Linton.

  Sets the scene for the chapter's events following Isabella's death.

• “Catherine ran wild with joy at the idea of welcoming her father back; and indulged most sanguine anticipations of the innumerable excellencies of her 'real' cousin.”

  Catherine was overjoyed at her father's return and eagerly imagined all the wonderful qualities her cousin Linton would have.

  Highlights Catherine's naive excitement and her idealization of Linton.

• “A pale, delicate, effeminate boy, who might have been taken for my master's younger brother, so strong was the resemblance: but there was a sickly peevishness in his aspect that Edgar Linton never had.”

  Linton was a pale, frail boy who looked like a younger version of Edgar, but with a sickly and irritable expression that Edgar lacked.

  Nelly's first impression of Linton, emphasizing his weakness and resemblance to the Linton family.

• “Hathecliff has sent me for his lad, and I munn't goa back 'bout him.”

  Heathcliff sent me to fetch his son, and I must not return without him.

  Joseph's blunt demand for Linton, reflecting Heathcliff's authority and the conflict over custody.