As a child , Catherine is unaware of her proper gender role. Her free spirit and carefree attitude allows her independence from conventional girlish norms. She is not concerned with fancy dresses or curls in her hair, instead she prefers running barefoot through the moors and frolicking recklessly with Heathcliff. However, for Catherine, change is inevitable. In order for her to become a suitable wife and mother, she will have to transform her looks and mannerisms from "a wild, hatless little savage" to a distinguished and dignified female (63). Catherine is forced to abandon her fantasy childhood and outdoor adventures in order to accomplish her goals and "turn the table" on an overbearing patriarchal system.
             Catherine is content with her life at Wuthering Heights until she sees the beauty and sophistication within the walls of Thrushcross Grange. After returning from Thrushcross Grange without Catherine, Heathcliff describes to Nelly, "ah! - - it was beautiful - - a splendid place carpeted with crimson, and crimson-covered chairs and tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold. . . ."(60). Catherine is awestruck with its elegance and beauty, but more importantly she is inspired by the female Linton's attire and mannerisms. Like a blanket of snow covering a green field, Catherine is enveloped by an intuitive female demeanor. Having no female role model other than Nelly Dean, Catherine accepts her metamorphosis without question. Unknowingly, she concedes to the patriarchal law that insist she subordinate to a male reigned society.
             Catherine's transition from a tomboy to a lady begins during her stay at Thrushcross Grange. Upon returning to Wuthering Heights, Catherine is besieged with compliments and flattery applauding her new found womanhood and reinforcing her gender role. Hindley, who previously condemned Catherine, now treats her as a fragile object of
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