Calum Anderson
Pg. 47-49
Line Commencing: ‘I threw a shawl over my head and ran to prevent them…’
Line Ending: ‘…keep fast, skulker, keep fast.’
Initial interpretations from a reader’s point of view
1. Heathcliff is clearly unliked by the occupants of Thrushcross Grange, admiring of the wealth in that household, but thankful for his own situation
2. ‘…they had not the manners to ask me to stay’. This is an indication of the unwelcome attitude projected at him, and his feeling of inferiority that stems not only from his position in society, but through how other characters interact with him.
3. ‘Edgar and his sister had it entirely to themselves…it was beautiful, a splendid place carpeted with crimson…’. Here we see a Heathcliff who is taken aback by the opulence presented in the Linton’s household, perhaps a symptom of his humble origins.
4. ‘I would not exchange for 1000 lives my condition here for Edgar Linton’s at Thrushcross Grange.’ Here we see the flipside, a streak of optimism, in which he is appreciative for his situation, and his position at Wuthering Heights.
From my point of view, both as a reader and as a sympathizer with Heathcliff, I see Heathcliff in this extracts as a bitter man, with a clear understanding of human interactions, able to read situations, but with a pessimistic tint.
Literary Devices
This passage incorporates multiple uses of biblical reference –found here in the form of such words as devil, heaven, Christendom etc. (See location in text in highlighted areas)
We also see foreshadowing come into play as Heathcliff’s own description in the future as an ‘animalistic devil’ by referring to the Linton’s dog as a ‘devil’. This is further seen when Heathcliff describes the servant as ‘a beast’, very pertinent yet ironic statement given his future descriptions.
The author uses plenty of open-ended questions used to perpetuate narrative flow in this segment, perhaps to convey the whirlwind of ideas and adrenaline in Heathcliff after his escape - perhaps this is also why Bronte uses over-embellishment in her language.
Other Characters interactions with Heathcliff
I believe that in this extract Catherine is sacrificial in relation to Heathcliff. This can be easily seen in the instance where she prefers to let herself get caught rather than let both of them be apprehended.
Characters which have any interaction with Heathcliff in this extract will notice that he reciprocates any negative feelings sent his way: it is almost as if he is a chameleon-like character. Heathcliff has an ability, which I believe stems from his insecurities, to blend and match any person or personality which he is faced with. This turns out to be both beneficial and hindering in his social interactions.
Use of language and diction
Heathcliff’s dialogue embellishes stories, overuses adjectives perhaps to compensate for roots as a non-English speaker. He speaks with pretentious diction, with a snooty air about him as he talks about the Linton’s situation. Bronte uses a plethora of adjectives, everything is described to leave little to fancy.