Catherine Linton, The Center of Conflict in Wuthering Height
Catherine Linton is the main reason for conflict in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Along with the conflict experienced by those around her, Catherine herself faces internal conflict. Through Nelly Dean's narration, she is shown as a mischievous child who enjoys angering and drawing the discipline of her elders, but at the same time never wants to intentionally hurt anybody (37-38). Here, it is proven that Catherine will not be changed or affected by the way things go on at Wuthering Heights. She is filled with a childlike impulsiveness and selfishness that will follow her to adulthood. She is
Still, she soon realizes that she cannot change the way she truly thinks:'My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight but necessary. She finally comes to the realization that her goodness and happiness lies not in the class and status of the Lintons but in a happy, love-filed life and marriage. Heathcliff Earnshaw is a shameless servant, and Edgar Linton is a well-mannered gentleman. Furthermore, her joyous appearance evinces a blithesome nature. Nelly, I am Heathcliff He's always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being. The reader understands that Catherine's soul purpose is to create drama and conflict, and no matter which path she chooses, she cannot avoid this. This physical description reminds that she is good at heart, not a vicious person. "she had the bonniest eye, and sweetest smile, and lightest foot in the parish" (37). Catherine is later offered two choices for a husband, both of whom are extremely different. a likeable character, however, and throughout the novel the reader is reminded that her motives are not malicious. Catherine realizes marrying Linton was a mistake and also that this act of self-betrayal has left her miserable. So don't talk of our separation again: it is impracticable. Catherine does not follow her heart, but desperately tries to fit her past. When Heathcliff returns years later, he marries Isabella, knowning Catherine will hate it and be driven to insanity (110-117). This response by Heathcliff shows that Catherine sees her failure to maintain the love she feels for Heathcliff.
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