Catherine and Cathy's Love: Different yet the Same (Summative Journal)

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.

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.
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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. 

Parallel Loves (Formative Journal, April 11th)

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.         

Catherine's Love

[Summative Journal Entry: Journal Number 2 Revised with a t-t connection and better title,
I recopied the entire journal to make it flow and so i could tie it in, but the main difference is the third paragraph i added with my connection.]

I think this journal is improved because of the connection I made. It added another good insight into the plotline and the structure of the plot. I noticed a pattern happening and realized how both fabulous writers used around the same technique to draw the reader into the book.

As I progressed through the novel Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte this week, many more layers began unfolding. Depth that I wasn't yet aware of and twists that changed how I thought of characters were occurring as I kept reading. What I found the most surprising was how shallow Catherine really had become. I knew she had changed and was far from the free-spirited, rebellious child that ran through muddy fields alongside Heathcliff, but she struck a new low with me when she slapped Nelly for the very foolish reason of wanting her to leave the living room so Catherine could have privacy with Linton. Thank goodness he noticed and did not think very highly of it, yet, as Nelly put it: "there will be no saving him-he's doomed, and flies to his fate!"(74). Although Catherine is a foolish, shallow young woman, he was in love with her and she had utter control over him.

Just as I concluded to myself; however, that Cathering was going to forever be her new and obnoxiously petulant self, she did something that made me take another look. She asked Nelly if it was the right decision to marry Linton. She clearly wants to, and her new self that enjoys materialistic things would be forever satisfied. Despite this, you can tell she is struggling with her decision. Just by asking, I can tell she knows she is not making the decision for the right reasons. Ending the conversation by confessing her love for Heathcliff to Nelly, I saw a light in Catherine that I thought was extinguished long ago. Now I see hope for her, and I think she knows something needs to change too.

As I read, I could not help but think of how much Catherine's relationship with Heathcliff was beginning to look similar to Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Darcy from the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. Both Heathcliff and Darcy are reserved, mysterious characters who intrigue the readers and who are deeply changed by their loved ones: Catherine and Elizabeth. In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy's first proposal, to his astonishment, is rejected by Elizabeth for she is digusted by his manner, and he goes into a bit of a depression. This slump; however, later turns around into his epiphany and great change of character. Heathcliff, much like Mr. Darcy, feels rejected when he hears Catherine say it would "degrade her to marry Heathcliff"(82). He leaves, and goes into a three-year period of misery where all he thinks about is Catherine. Coming back a slightly changed man, he also changes his life for her love. Although different in many aspects, these two novels are alike in that way.

My group did well this week. We got past the hump of a never-ending stream of introducing characters and relationships. It's much easier to read now and we can get to the issues that are behind the characters instead of trying to find out whats going on. We all participate and theres always questioning going on, especially around who Cathering really loves. We continue to delve deeper into the story and its only getting better!

Response

I like that you are seeing the deeper layers in the book. You are also supporting your writng. Now can you go beyound adn make a connection to some of the questions you are discussing and either tw tt ts. This will develop your writing even further and help addd insight to your writing. You are on the right path.

Journal #2

As I progressed through the novel Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte this week, many more layers began unfolding. Depth that I wasn't yet aware of and twists that changed how I thought of characters were occurring as I kept reading. What I found the most surprising was how shallow Catherine really had become. I knew she had changed and was far from the free-spirited, rebellious child that ran through muddy fields alongside Heathcliff, but she struck a new low with me when she slapped Nelly for the very foolish reason of wanting her to leave the living room so Catherine could have privacy with Linton. Thank goodness he noticed and did not think very highly of it, yet, as Nelly put it: "there will be no saving him-he's doomed, and flies to his fate!"(74). Although Catherine is a foolish, shallow young woman, he was in love with her and she had utter control over him.

Just as I concluded to myself; however, that Cathering was going to forever be her new and obnoxiously petulant self, she did something that made me take another look. She asked Nelly if it was the right decision to marry Linton. She clearly wants to, and her new self that enjoys materialistic things would be forever satisfied. Despite this, you can tell she is struggling with her decision. Just by asking, I can tell she knows she is not making the decision for the right reasons. Ending the conversation by confessing her love for Heathcliff to Nelly, I saw a light in Catherine that I thought was extinguished long ago. Now I see hope for her, and I think she knows something needs to change too.

My group did well this week. We got past the hump of a never-ending stream of introducing characters and relationships. It's much easier to read now and we can get to the issues that are behind the characters instead of trying to find out whats going on. We all participate and theres always questioning going on, especially around who Cathering really loves. We continue to delve deeper into the story and its only getting better!

response

You have discovered the benefits of working in a group when working through novels. I agree and warned you that your novel is challenging. Especially in the beginning. Yet having the group will help you work through it to see where they are coming from and wher you are at. Now as you respond and you mention your understanding of relationships and characters, try and bring in specific evidence to help support and back up what you are saying. How did you discover the flashback piece, how did you see the who was who etc. Give me details- what shed the light for you as you read- what line was it, what scent or moment clued you in, and how did you figure it out. Your meta cognition piece brings in the details nicely by the way. I think you have a good group.

Wuthering Heights - Formative Journal #1

This was my group's very first week of lit circles so we were just getting the feel for it. Wuthering Heights is a relatively difficult bok to read with a rather confusing beginning. Figuring out the characters and their relations took up a good deal of our discussions this week. The book also has flashbacks to a time many years earlier involving the same characters, so hammering out who was who and what they had done was pretty tough at the start.I think my group made great progress from our puzzled beginning to really starting to figure out the story.

I believe I did well in my lit circle this week. I, along with my entire group, was asking questions and trying to figure out the story at the beginning: something that has proven essential to enjoying this novel. Although my group members were a little confused at the start too, we each knew little things. Collectively, we managed a whole lot! I managed to understand the connection between Heathcliff and Hareton Earnshaw, as well as I am coming to understand the family tree.I have not had the need to pull anyone in my group in because they have all also been actively participating. My group has begun to discuss the issues arising, but since it is the beginning not many of these have come up yet. I sense, and know from my reading, that there will be much more to discuss in the following group discussions.

Movie Analysis (Summative)

There are many different layers in this film which convey evil parts of the story. The filmmaker conveys it through plot, by showing the many horrible actions and motives of Scar. Scar himself is a character that, along with his hyenas, represents evil. This is done through his actions, and enhanced by his appearance. While all the other lions are golden coloured with bright red manes, Scar has a black one and a scary looking scar on his forehead, not to mention his name is Scar. There is dark, creepy imagery within the animation of the movie which also conveys evil. Gloomy colours, dark images, and dead things are common in the imagery, and in the setting too. The expression of darkness that had the most impact on me was the “Be prepared” song, when Scar rallies support from the hyenas in his plot to kill Mufasa and Simba. The greenish coloured, dark setting and eerie lyrics create an evil atmosphere, while Scar`s wicked scheme sends chills up my spine.

This film can be connected to children around the world. When Scar convinced Simba that he killed his father, he scared him into believing it. Scar was big, strong, intimidating, and older so Simba wrongly believed him. This can connect to children around the world who are forced into believing it’s their fault when it is not, by an adult who, at the time, seems wiser and smarter. This can even go for abuse and violence victims who never speak up because of the shame and blame put on them by the abuser. I find that the Lion King can also connect to Mulan (presented by Madison). The betrayal of Mufasa by his brother is much like the betrayal of Mulan by General Shang when he found out she was a woman. In both cases the betrayers have deep relations with the other. For instance, Scar is Mufasa`s brother, and Shang had been fighting alongside loyal Mulan for months. Both somehow seem to see past this, and break the bond they shared deep down.  

Scar`s plot to overthrow his noble brother as King connects to one of our EQs: what does power have to do with fairness and justice? Scar ends up becoming one of Pride Rock`s most unjust leaders, yet he manages to overtake the King and remain King for quite some time, thanks to his power. Without his defiant persuasive speeches to get the hyenas on his side, he wouldn`t have any enforcers or friends. Without the hyenas, he has no power, which means he couldn`t have been unfair. The Lion King shows the rather dissapointing truth: the more power and influence you have, the more and more you tend to be able to get away with injustice.

The Lion King Excerpt

An excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ6cw_MuTDE

               

"The Destructors" Response Questions

           A character can represent darkness through their actions, and, if told to the reader, their feelings. In "The Destructors" by Graham Greene, the main protagonist "T" (Trevor) represents darkness through his twisted, dark persona. He wants to completely destroy the house of a man who has done nothing wrong to him. In fact, T knows this. T says "There'd be no fun if I hated him", much to the surprise of the reader and his fellow characters (page 2). It is only natural to think vandalizing someone's home would be in hatred or in vain, yet T seems to think of the destruction as some kind of creation: a masterpiece he is eager to create. This twisted outlook that T has on the whole situation gives creepy vibes to the reader, who senses his dark personality through the pages of the story. In this story, T is evil but doesn't really notice it all that much. He's in a gang and is not polite, but he appears unaware that his plan is one of pure evil. T appears evil from the common person's perspective, after all he doesn't think destroying "Old Misery's" (Mr. Thomas) house is wicked.

          Graham Greene conveys the evil and darkness through vivid imagery. He intricately describes the demolition of a beautiful, antique house; this includes the broken glass, smashed walls, sawed railings, and ripped fabrics. He also has images of literal darkness, like when he describes Mr. Thomas' view from his outhouse penitentiary: "between the cracks in one of the shutters he saw a light, not the light of a lamp, but the wavering light that a candle might give" (page 3). The setting also creates a feeling of darkness since the site of the demolition is in a resolute, abandones area: giving the reader a sense of hopelessness. A memorable passage that vividly captures the essence of darkness was when Joe, a gang member, dropped a penny down the well filled with rubble and it "cracked and span amongst the broken glass" (page 3).   

             There are many layers of context and setting that convey darkness on many levels, giving this story its depth. There are obvious parts to it that give us a dark, gloomy feeling. The gang, the sketchy characters, and the plan to destroy an innocent man's house all are obvious indicators that this isn't a cheery story. However, on many other levels Graham Greene subconsciously gives the reader that eerie feeling. This is done through his lonely, spooky setting, his somber descriptions, and the twisted mind of the protagonist T; it makes it seem like evil is almost a form of art to him. The final touch that really disturbs is the end when the 'driver' laughs at the rubble that once was Mr. Thomas' house. It makes it seem like more people find this destruction good than find it absolutely evil.

Response

How true that we do need a balance. Unfortunatley that is what are society since the beginning of time has created the need for. That is all we know. We have never known a society that is all pure. It is something sometimes that one would like as an ideal do you not think.
You have raised many good points in your reflection and you brought in a general example to support what you were saying.

Why is there darkness in humanity?

              As every human knows, there is darkness in humanity. No matter how much we try to abolish it, or how much we try to convert evil forces into good ones, darkness will always exist. Darkness is in the world for a reason: so good can exist. Honourable deeds can only be recognized if we have experienced bad ones. For instance, one cannot say they have had a good day until they have had a bad one. If every day was wonderful, it wouldn't feel wonderful anymore. It would feel neutral and dull, since there would be nothing to compare it to. Pleasant feelings can only be felt if we have felt the darkness of sadness. Basically without darkness we would not have the contrast necessary to recognize good in our world. Thus, although the human race regularly despises darkness in humanity, we should remember how essential it is to our lives.