# Chapter XX explained — Wuthering Heights

> Chapter companion for Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

## What happens

Nelly brings young Linton Heathcliff to Wuthering Heights to live with his father, Heathcliff, who cruelly mocks his frail and delicate son. Linton is terrified and reluctant, but Heathcliff asserts his ownership and plans to use him to secure control over the Grange. Nelly returns to Thrushcross Grange, leaving Linton in his father's harsh care.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Generational Conflict

Heathcliff's cruel treatment of his son Linton and his manipulation of the next generation to achieve revenge highlight the destructive family dynamics.

### Cruelty and Power

Heathcliff exerts his power over Linton through mockery and intimidation, demonstrating how cruelty is used to dominate and control.

### Revenge and Cycle of Violence

Heathcliff's scheme to use Linton as a tool to inherit the Grange perpetuates the cycle of revenge against the Linton and Earnshaw families.

## Character check-ins

### Nelly Dean

Nelly transports Linton to Wuthering Heights and observes Heathcliff's treatment of his son.

### Heathcliff

Heathcliff receives his son with scorn, mocking his frailty and expressing his intention to use Linton to inherit the Grange.

### Linton Heathcliff

Linton is brought to Wuthering Heights, frightened and confused, and is harshly received by his father.

### Hareton Earnshaw

Hareton is present and ordered to obey Linton, though he is treated with contempt by Heathcliff.

### Joseph

Joseph serves Linton breakfast and shares in Heathcliff's disdain for the boy.

### Edgar Linton

Edgar Linton commissions Nelly to take Linton to Wuthering Heights and instructs her to keep the boy's whereabouts from Catherine.

## Key lines

> I want the triumph of seeing my descendant fairly lord of their estates; my child hiring their children to till their fathers’ lands for wages.

Heathcliff desires the satisfaction of seeing his son as master of the Grange, employing the descendants of his enemies as laborers.

_This reveals Heathcliff's motive for keeping Linton alive: to achieve vicarious revenge through inheritance._

> I’m bitterly disappointed with the whey-faced, whining wretch!

Heathcliff expresses deep disappointment in Linton's weak and complaining nature.

_Heathcliff's contempt for Linton's frailty underscores his preference for strength and his disdain for vulnerability._

> Don’t leave me! I’ll not stay here! I’ll not stay here!

Linton cries out in desperation as Nelly departs, refusing to remain at Wuthering Heights.

_Linton's terror highlights the oppressive and frightening atmosphere of his new home._

## Links

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