XXVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Generational Conflict

  Edgar's protective alteration of his will contrasts with Heathcliff's exploitation of Linton to seize the Grange.

• Cruelty and Power

  Heathcliff's physical and psychological abuse of Catherine and Linton demonstrates his ruthless control.

Characters to notice

• Edgar Linton

  Dies blissfully after Catherine's return, murmuring of joining his wife.

• Catherine Linton

  Escapes Wuthering Heights with Linton's help; returns to Thrushcross Grange to be with her dying father.

• Nelly Dean

  Narrates the events; helps Catherine return and confronts Linton Heathcliff about his cruelty.

• Linton Heathcliff

  Helps Catherine escape but is selfish and cruel; reveals Heathcliff's abuse.

• Heathcliff

  Manipulates events to secure property; strikes Catherine and crushes her mother's portrait.

Key passages

• “He died blissfully, Mr. Lockwood: he died so. Kissing her cheek, he murmured⁠—'I am going to her; and you, darling child, shall come to us!'”

  Edgar Linton passed away in a state of joy, kissing Catherine's cheek and saying he was going to his wife and that she would join them.

  Edgar's peaceful death contrasts with the turmoil around him, emphasizing his love for Catherine Earnshaw.

• “He took the one I had away, and ordered her to resign hers to me; she refused, and he⁠—he struck her down, and wrenched it off the chain, and crushed it with his foot.”

  Heathcliff took the portrait Linton had, demanded Catherine give him hers, and when she refused, he struck her, tore it from her neck, and crushed it underfoot.

  Heathcliff's violence against Catherine highlights his cruelty and desire to erase her connection to her mother.