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Chapter 23
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Wuthering Heights, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Gothic Literature and the Supernatural
Nature and Civilization
Love and Passion
Masculinity and Femininity
Class
Revenge and Repetition
Summary
Analysis
When Nelly recovers, she quickly notices Cathy's suspicious behavior and soon catches Cathy sneaking into her room after a night out. After feebly trying to lie, Cathy admits that she's been going to Wuthering Heights to see Linton. In particular, Cathy tells Nelly of one trip to Wuthering Heights where Hareton stops her and proves to her that he could read the name "Hareton" written above the house's front door. Cathy, though, asks him if he can read the number next to the word (it says "1500"). When Hareton admits that he can't, she once again mocks him for his stupidity.
Cathy's classist, "civilized" contempt towards Hareton are here on display, just as Catherine's condescension toward Heathcliff were earlier in the novel. Also interesting is Hareton's desire to show Cathy that he can read, even if just a little bit. Hareton seems intent on bettering himself by learning to read. This sets him apart from all the other characters in the novel up to this point, who show less personal development.
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
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Furious, Hareton later barges in on Cathy's visit with Linton, and forces the weak, sniveling Linton to go upstairs. A bit later, Hareton feels remorse and apologizes to Cathy for his actions, but she refuses to speak to him and returns to Thrushcross Grange.
Just as Heathcliff took revenge on the "civilized" people he felt had wronged him, so does Hareton overpower Linton. But unlike Heathcliff, Hareton shows remorse.
Themes
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Cathy returns to the Heights three days later, but immediately leaves when Linton blames her for the humiliation Hareton forced on him. Cathy returns two days later to tell Linton she has decided never to visit him again. Distraught, Linton begs for forgiveness.
Whereas Hareton confronts Cathy directly, Linton is more sly, always trying to use guilt to keep Cathy from leaving him.
Themes
Quiz
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As soon as Cathy finishes her story, Nelly goes to Edgar and tells him everything. Edgar forbids Cathy from ever again visiting Linton at Wuthering Heights, but does agree to allow Linton to visit the Grange.
Edgar learned from his experience with Isabella that forbidding Cathy from seeing Linton entirely won't work. Instead, he tries to control the terms of those visits.
Themes
Quiz
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