Wuthering Heights: A Summary of Emily Brontë's Masterpiece

The Arrival at Wuthering Heights

Lockwood, a tenant at Thrushcross Grange, visits Wuthering Heights. He spends the night in the room of the late Catherine (Edgar Linton's wife), where her ghost appears to him while he reads her diary; for 20 years, she has wandered, wanting to come inside.

The Origins of Heathcliff

Nelly Dean, the housekeeper, explains that Mr. Earnshaw returned from a trip with an orphaned gypsy boy he found in Liverpool, naming him Heathcliff after his deceased son.

Childhood and Social Conflict

Hindley Earnshaw (Catherine's brother) abuses Heathcliff. Catherine becomes friends with Heathcliff, and they spy on the Linton family. She eventually stays with the Lintons, falling in love with Edgar Linton.

Tragedy and Transformation

Frances (Hindley's wife) dies, leaving Hindley in despair and alcoholism. They have a son, Hareton Earnshaw. Catherine refuses to marry Heathcliff due to their social differences. Heathcliff leaves, and Catherine searches for him in the middle of a storm. Catherine marries Edgar, and Heathcliff returns, now more refined and wealthy.

Heathcliff's Revenge

Isabella Linton (Edgar's sister) spends time with Heathcliff, but it is all part of his plan for revenge. The atmosphere grows tense, and he is expelled. Catherine locks herself in her room. They elope, and no one can stop them.

The Death of Catherine

Catherine falls ill while pregnant with Edgar's child. Heathcliff and Isabella return, full of regret. Heathcliff and Catherine have a passionate reunion. He leaves to avoid Edgar. Catherine dies giving birth to Cathy. Before her death, Heathcliff invokes her ghost, begging it to haunt him for the rest of his life.

The Next Generation

Hindley dies, leaving Heathcliff as the head of the house. Isabella flees to London due to Heathcliff's cruelty and gives birth to Linton Heathcliff. Edgar restricts Cathy from any contact with Wuthering Heights. Isabella dies, making Linton an orphan. Edgar and Heathcliff compete over who will raise him. Linton grows up isolated from Edgar and Cathy.

The Final Resolution

Edgar falls ill. Cathy returns to Wuthering Heights to continue her relationship with Linton, though he only pursues her on his father's orders so Heathcliff can inherit Thrushcross Grange. Cathy marries Linton. Edgar dies, and Linton also dies while Cathy is taking care of him. Hareton and Cathy grow closer; she teaches him to read, and despite his initial resentment, she finds companionship. Heathcliff confesses to Nelly Dean that he is still haunted by Catherine's ghost after attempting to exhume her grave. He becomes so obsessed with the ghost that he stops sleeping. Nelly eventually finds him dead, and Hareton and Cathy marry.