Wuthering Heights: Chapter 15 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.

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?"

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.

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.