Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights

by

Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights: Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
When Edgar goes to church four days later, Nelly delivers Heathcliff's letter to Catherine, who is so weak that she can hardly hold it. Heathcliff walks into the room almost as soon as Nelly delivers the letter. Upon seeing him, Catherine says that he and Edgar have broken her heart, and adds that she can't stand the thought of dying while Heathcliff is still alive, and wishes that the two of them will never be parted. Then she begs Heathcliff for forgiveness.
Catherine wants everything. The conflict between Heathcliff and Edgar broke her heart because it made having everything impossible. Yet at the same time her love for Heathcliff seems deeper than her love for Edgar. She never tells Edgar that she wishes she would never be parted from him.
Themes
Gothic Literature and the Supernatural Theme Icon
Nature and Civilization Theme Icon
Love and Passion Theme Icon
Quotes
Heathcliff responds that he forgives her for what she has done to him, but that he can never forgive her for what she has done to herself. He says "I love my murderer—but yours? How can I?"
Heathcliff's response demonstrates that he not only loves Catherine more than anything else, he loves her more than he loves even himself.
Themes
Love and Passion Theme Icon
Quotes
Just then Edgar arrives home from church. Heathcliff gets up to leave, but Catherine begs him to stay and he does. As Edgar approaches, Nelly screams. Catherine collapses and Heathcliff catches her. Edgar rushes into the room. Heathcliff puts Catherine's body into Edgar's arms and commands Edgar that it is more important for him to take care of Catherine rather than get angry.
Once again Catherine creates a confrontation between Heathcliff and Edgar. But while Edgar seems ready to fight, Heathcliff again demonstrates the full depth of his love for Catherine by saying that her care comes before any conflict they might have.
Themes
Love and Passion Theme Icon
Nelly ushers Heathcliff from the room, promising to send news of Catherine's health in the morning. Heathcliff says he'll stay nearby in the garden.
Another sign of Heathcliff's complete devotion to and love for Catherine.
Themes
Love and Passion Theme Icon
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