Chapter Chapter Summaries of Wuthering Heights - Study Guide by The Bronte Sisters

Heathcliff and Hindley’s relationship becomes more and more aggressive. Catherine accepts Edgar’s proposal of marriage, but not before she has told Nelly of her greater love for Heathcliff. However, she professes that her feelings are in spite of reason – it would degrade her to marry him, and Heathcliff, overhearing only this, disappears. Catherine become ill and leaves to rest at Thrushcross Grange once more. She marries Edgar three years later when he is master of the Grange, with Nelly reluctantly accompanying her mistress.

Chapter Ten

Nelly describes the luxury and peace of the Lintons’ life, but this is unsettled by Heathcliff’s return. Catherine is ecstatic to see him again, much to Edgar’s disgust. Heathcliff stays at the Heights with Hindley. Isabella Linton becomes attracted to Heathcliff, and this is a cause of worry for both Edgar and Catherine. Catherine tells Heathcliff of this, but only serves to complicate matters – Heathcliff sees her fascination with him as an opportunity to revenge himself upon Edgar.

Chapter Eleven

Nelly recalls her childhood with Hindley. This urges her to visit the Heights but she is alarmed at how much things have deteriorated. Heathcliff has encouraged Hareton to be unruly. She leaves when Heathcliff returns. He later calls to the Grange, encouraging Isabella’s partiality which angers both Catherine and Edgar. The three argue and overwhelmed, Catherine retreats to her bed.

Chapter Twelve

Catherine starves herself, and Nelly is contemptuous of her protestations of illness, refusing to tell Edgar and give him unnecessary worry. But Catherine deteriorates and Nelly grows anxious, recalling her mistress’s earlier sickness. Isabella elopes with Heathcliff and Edgar disowns her.

Chapter Thirteen

Catherine is diagnosed with a brain fever, but slowly recovers under Edgar’s care. Heathcliff and Isabella have remained absent for two months and a letter to Nelly from Isabella suggests she regrets her marriage. Both are now back at Wuthering Heights. Learning of Catherine’s illness, Heathcliff lays all blame on Edgar, telling Isabella that she will be punished in his place. She begs Nelly to visit her.

Chapter Fourteen

Nelly tells Edgar of his sister’s misery but he refuses to help. Her visit to see Isabella sees Heathcliff compel her to fix a meeting between him and Catherine. The narrative breaks as the doctor calls on Lockwood. He is repelled by Nelly’s description of Cathy, and resolves not to fall in love with her daughter.

 

VOLUME TWO

Chapter One

Lockwood now takes over as narrator, recounting the story as told to him by Nelly Dean. Heathcliff visits Catherine. He is distraught on seeing her near death and they embrace with fierce passion. Nelly is anxious that Heathcliff leaves but Catherine begs him to stay. She faints as Edgar enters the room. Heathcliff departs but remains in the garden so Nelly can inform him of Catherine.

Chapter Two

Cathy dies in childbirth and her daughter is named after her. Nelly goes to tell Heathcliff of her death but he already knows. His grief is violent and wracks him as he declares he cannot live without her, his life and soul. The funeral takes place one week later.