XXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Revenge and Cycle of Violence

  Heathcliff's deliberate degradation of Hareton mirrors the abuse he suffered from Hindley, perpetuating a cycle of cruelty.

• Social Class and Inequality

  Cathy and Linton mock Hareton's illiteracy and Yorkshire dialect, highlighting class-based contempt and educational disparity.

• Isolation and Alienation

  Linton's seclusion at Wuthering Heights and Cathy's initial loneliness after his departure underscore the characters' emotional and physical isolation.

Characters to notice

• Catherine Linton

  Grieves Linton's departure, later forgets him; at sixteen, she rambles on the moor and mocks Hareton's illiteracy.

• Heathcliff

  Reveals his pleasure in degrading Hareton, comparing his own upbringing and boasting of Hareton's fondness for him.

• Hareton Earnshaw

  Shown as rough and illiterate, unable to read the inscription; mocked by Cathy and Linton.

• Linton Heathcliff

  Described as weak, selfish, and fainthearted; taunts Hareton about his ignorance.

• Nelly Dean

  Accompanies Cathy on her ramble, observes Heathcliff's schemes, and reflects on Linton's character.

• Edgar Linton

  Soothes Cathy after Linton's departure; spends the anniversary of Catherine's death alone in the library.

Key passages

• “He could not bear to discourse long upon the topic; for though he spoke little of it, he still felt the same horror and detestation of his ancient enemy that had occupied his heart ever since Mrs. Linton's death.”

  Edgar could not discuss Heathcliff at length because he still harbored the same fear and hatred for him that he had felt since Catherine's death.

  Edgar's enduring grief and resentment toward Heathcliff are emphasized.

• “I've a pleasure in him... He has satisfied my expectations. If he were a born fool I should not enjoy it half so much. But he's no fool; and I can sympathise with all his feelings, having felt them myself.”

  Heathcliff takes satisfaction in Hareton's degradation, noting that Hareton is not stupid, which makes his suffering more enjoyable, and claims to understand his feelings from personal experience.

  Heathcliff's calculated revenge and twisted empathy are revealed.

• “He does not know his letters... Could you believe in the existence of such a colossal dunce?”

  Linton mocks Hareton for being unable to read, expressing disbelief at his ignorance.

  Linton's cruelty and class-based superiority are evident.