As I kept reading the novel Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, I noticed how there were many similarities between the relationships of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and Hareton 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 who 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. She instead was attracted to whiny, incapable Young Linton because 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. Catherine did something of the same sort. Ruling out Heathcliff, Catherine settled for marrying Linton when deep inside her she knew she would never love him as much as she loved Heathcliff.
Before it was too late; however, both Catherine and Cathy caved to their true emotions and fell into true love with whom they were meant to be with. Their equally quick wittedness and vivacious personality attracted more than the classic cultured gentleman. Once each woman accepted her love for the less traditional choice, she felt content in her life.
The issue of 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. That is likely why this book is so engrossing: it plays on that controversial idea of marrying for love over custom.
This week my group did very well, with every member consistently contributing to the discussion. We are building on the eachother's ideas and pulling in rich examples to back up our own opinions--we don't always agree! It's a great tool to always be able to clarify and ask for feedback with my group, they are always able to deliver enlightening insight that enriches my ideas.
I like how your connected Catherine and Young Catherine and how they had to face tough decisions for love. I think that you could have backed up your ideas with more quotes from the book though. It comes down to wonder if true love can ever have a role in the modern day.
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