What I saw then
As a 15 year old, Catherine and Heathcliff's love seemed intense, almost incomprehensible. I remember being taken aback by the frailty of the characters in the novel; how easily they die. I also remember being a little confused by the family tree and very concerned about incest.
What I see now
I have returned to the novel 18 years later, not as a student obligated to complete a reading assignment or as a teacher equally compelled to prepare for class, but as a reading enthusiast eager to revisit a story that once captivated me. I see a maniacal relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff. It is not love as I would define it, but rather an unhealthy obsession captured aptly when Catherine rants "
My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Healthcliff! 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.”
Heathcliff's response to her death further highlights the lunacy of their relationship. He laments "“Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living. You said I killed you--haunt me then. The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe--I know that ghosts have wandered the earth. Be with me always--take any form--drive me mad. Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! It is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!”
As for my views on the nove'ls tyrant, Heathcliff, Nelly's description of him leaves me at one minute feeling pity for his station in life and in the next, complete disgust at his ability to manipulate those around him. Both of these are captured in the encounter with Hindley, when Heathcliff uses the blows that he had received from Hindley to manipulate him into handing over the better horse or face repercussions from Mr Earnshaw. Serves Hindley right, but at the same time Heathcliff proves himself a calculating and guileful character not in need of the readers sympathy.
This disgust towards Heathcliff grows further when I consider his treatment of Isabella. In the midst of all of this contempt how do they find time to consummate the relationship and even bare a child. Then again sex and love often have no connection in fact sex is often a tool of control , the predator conquering the prey.
My Two Cents
Time and experience have forced me to question the legitimacy and sustainability of the macabre relationship that takes center stage in the novel. Were Catherine and Heathcliff social equals,I believe that their all consuming love would still have been ill fated. It is unhealthy to be so consumed by someone that your very existence is hinged on that person. Some alliances are toxic and should be avoided at all cost. RUN!!!!
