Wuthering Heights Turning Points Essay

Wuthering Heights Turning Points

Every day turning points are experienced.   Some will be remembered for ever and others will have a long term affect on life.   In the novel Wuthering Heights the author, Emily Bronte, suggests that when an individual experiences turning points, there will be a long term effect on the spirit and they will forever endure emotional pain.   The death of Catherine Linton has a lifetime effect on Heathcliff; even eighteen years later he is still mourning her death.   Heathcliff overcomes the need to cause grief for the third generation; as he desires to be reunited with Catherine in the grave.


The death of Catherine Linton suggests a major turning point in Wuthering Heights.   Catherine’s death has significant impact on Heathcliff; the idea that they were one in spirit greatly affects Heathcliff throughout the second half of the novel.   When Heathcliff is mourning the death of Catherine, he says, “may she wake in torment.” Then he prays for Catherine to haunt him and never leave him alone, for “I cannot live without my soul.” This line implies that there is a mutual relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff. The fact that Heathcliff feels Catherine is truly a part of his soul will make him feel incomplete for the remainder of the novel.   Eighteen years after her death, he has yet to move on.   In chapter twenty nine, he tells Nelly that he had Catherine dug up the day before so he could have one more look at her. Nelly tells him he should be ashamed for disturbing the dead, and he replies “Disturbed her? No! she has disturbed me, night and day, through eighteen years-incessantly-remorselessly-till yesternight.”   The author restates the strong affection that Heathcliff shows towards Catherine.

Heathcliff’s recurring emotions cause him to want to see Catherine’s face one more time.   It is clear that Heathcliff is still obsessed with Catherine because he had the desire to see the body of his love even after it had been decaying...