As I kept reading the novel Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, I noticed how there were many similarities between the relationships held by Catherine Earnshaw and Young Catherine. Upon bringing this up with my group and looking deeper into their relationships, I noticed even more.
The similarity that first jumped out at me was how Cathy (Young Catherine) and Catherine (Old Catherine) both felt too superior for whom they truly would have loved if all formalities and statuses were cast aside. Heathcliff and Catherine had undeniable chemistry from their childhood, yet Catherine would not marry him for it "would degrade her" (82). Her daughter had the same issue with pride as she did. Cathy ridiculed Hareton Earnshaw from the moment she met him due to his ungentlemanly manner and uneducated mind, not even noticing his truly kind heart. As Heathcliff remarked, Hareton is “gold put to the use of paving stones”; sadly Cathy doesn’t take the time to find that sparkle hidden within him (211). She instead was attracted to whiny, incapable Young Linton,for he came across as more finished and cultured. Cathy convinced herself she was in love with him, despite how often he mistreated and manipulated her. Her mother also settled for marrying someone who, although she loved him, she knew she’d never love as much as she loved Heathcliff.
The similarity that first jumped out at me was how Cathy (Young Catherine) and Catherine (Old Catherine) both felt too superior for whom they truly would have loved if all formalities and statuses were cast aside. Heathcliff and Catherine had undeniable chemistry from their childhood, yet Catherine would not marry him for it "would degrade her" (82). Her daughter had the same issue with pride as she did. Cathy ridiculed Hareton Earnshaw from the moment she met him due to his ungentlemanly manner and uneducated mind, not even noticing his truly kind heart. As Heathcliff remarked, Hareton is “gold put to the use of paving stones”; sadly Cathy doesn’t take the time to find that sparkle hidden within him (211). She instead was attracted to whiny, incapable Young Linton,for he came across as more finished and cultured. Cathy convinced herself she was in love with him, despite how often he mistreated and manipulated her. Her mother also settled for marrying someone who, although she loved him, she knew she’d never love as much as she loved Heathcliff.
As much as there were many similarities in the love lives of Catherine and Cathy, they are also strikingly different. Catherine’s love with Heathcliff is based on the fact that they each believe they are one another. When Catherine uttered “I am Heathcliff”, it can be said she doesn’t feel like herself without him (84). In contrast, her daughter’s relationship with Hareton, although strong, is two individuals living together harmoniously. They grow, change, and are different, yet their love is still very strong.
Before it was too late; however, both Catherine and Cathy caved to their true emotions and accepted loving whomever they were meant to be with: regardless of social hiatus. Realizing that love was far stronger than pride, both girls eventually succumbed to their true feelings, even if it was on their deathbed.
The issue of choosing between marrying for true love or for the sake of customs and tradition is everywhere on the globe and has been all throughout history. It seems to be getting less and less, yet there are many places where marrying for love is not a concern. Many people in certain cultures are accustomed to having a life partner picked out for them by their parents on a strictly materialistic basis. Money and family background are usually the basis of many choices. That is likely why this book is so engrossing: it plays on that controversial idea of marrying for love over custom.Before it was too late; however, both Catherine and Cathy caved to their true emotions and accepted loving whomever they were meant to be with: regardless of social hiatus. Realizing that love was far stronger than pride, both girls eventually succumbed to their true feelings, even if it was on their deathbed.
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My group continued to grow and challenge the themes of the novel this week. Many of my ideas on the similarities between Cathy and Catherine came from delving deep into the topic in our discussion. I asked a lot of questions and offered insight into others' questions as well. We each contributed examples to back up our arguments, which was great; however, I think if we could find actual quotes our arguments would be even stronger.
