Contrast or a contradiction in the novel Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte - Essay Example

From this paper, it is clear that despite her decision, however, Catherine knows she is bonded to Heathcliff with stronger ties than mere convenience, comfort or social position.  Her passion for him is compared with lightning and fire.  “My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little visible delight, but necessary.  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.

 So don’t talk of our separation again: it is impracticable” (Ch. 9).  Despite her love for him, Catherine cannot bring herself to marry below her station.  Nor can she ever rid herself of her passion for him.  When he returns, she can’t conceal her joy from Edgar.  From this paper, it is clear that despite her decision, however, Catherine knows she is bonded to Heathcliff with stronger ties than mere convenience, comfort or social position.  Her passion for him is compared with lightning and fire.

 “My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little visible delight, but necessary.  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.  So don’t talk of our separation again: it is impracticable” (Ch. 9).  Despite her love for him, Catherine cannot bring herself to marry below her station.  Nor can she ever rid herself of her passion for him.

 When he returns, she can’t conceal her joy from Edgar.  While Catherine is able to find a semblance of happiness living in the Linton home, she only marries Edgar after a prolonged absence by Heathcliff, from which she has no expectation that he will ever return.  Upon his return, she shows more spark of life in her character and her actions than has been displayed throughout her entire marriage to Edgar.  Her last conscious moments are spent in Heathcliff’s arms as she finally confesses her love to him openly, a love he had already been well aware of, and makes him a promise that their souls will be forever entwined regardless of which side of the grave either of them inhabits.

 The tormented life of Heathcliff following the death of Catherine further illustrates the support for deciding in favor of passion.