Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë | Chapter 12

TL;DR

Cathy's deteriorating mental and emotional state drives her to extreme measures, longing for freedom and connection with Heathcliff.

Transcript

in Chapter 12 of leathering heights Cathy and Edgar still haven't spoken since their fight over Heathcliff Edgar continues to sulk in the library while Cathy is locked in her bedroom refusing to eat mrs. Dean goes about her duties finally Cathy requests something to eat exclaiming oh I will die but she changes her mind fearing Edgar won't care if s... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Cathy's desperation for Edgar's attention drives her to extreme measures, including risking her own life.
• 🍝 Memories of her past with Heathcliff haunt Cathy, highlighting her longing for freedom and connection with him.
• 🖤 Edgar's dismissive attitude and lack of concern further contribute to Cathy's deteriorating mental state.
• 🤬 The presence of symbols, such as the hanged dog and ghosts, emphasize the themes of vengeance, boundaries, and Cathy's longing for belonging.
• 😚 Cathy's longing for her lost childhood and desire to escape highlight the confinement she feels in her current life.
• 🪜 Mrs. Dean's perceived betrayal adds to Cathy's feelings of isolation and betrayal.
• 💨 Rumors of Isabella running away with Heathcliff further complicate the already tense relationships in the story.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why haven't Cathy and Edgar spoken since their fight?

Cathy and Edgar are still ignoring each other as a result of their fight, with both harboring resentment and refusing to address the issue.

Q: Why does Cathy refuse to eat?

Cathy believes that if she starves herself, Edgar will finally realize the severity of the situation and care about her well-being.

Q: How does Cathy view herself in the mirror?

Cathy does not recognize herself in the mirror and instead sees visions, indicating her distorted sense of self and detachment from reality.

Q: What does the hanged dog symbolize?

The hanged dog represents Heathcliff's descent into revenge and loss of humanity, as well as the crossing of boundaries and the consequences of his actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cathy and Edgar continue to ignore each other after their fight, with Cathy refusing to eat and Edgar sulking in the library.

• Cathy pleads with Mrs. Dean to convince Edgar that she is starving herself, as she fears his indifference.

• Cathy reminisces about her past with Heathcliff, pulls feathers out of her pillow, and longs to escape and relive her childhood.