Indirect Characterization Of Nelly Dean

In this passage Emily Bronte characterizes Nelly dean to be a complex character with many layer. She employs tension and suspense in order to highlight the motherly and daring personality of Dean in a way that is easily evident to the reader. Bronte primarily uses indirect characterization to define Dean. Nelly’s actions, words and thoughts all contribute to her bold, caring personality. These actions all involve other members of the Wuthering Heights staff and family, so her behaviors and their effects on other characters exemplify the traits she possesses. Her navigation of social norms regarding class and status further go to show her character through her actions. Nelly, from the beginning of the reading displays a fervent need to protect

Her actions, words and thoughts towards and about Hindley illustrate a bold disregard for their difference in status. When Hindley drops Hareton from the balcony Nelly says “If he’s not killed, he’ll be an idiot!” (LL 58) which describes her as chastising her master; this action is reflective of her bold, stubborn, unwavering character. This boldness is brought forth by the intense atmosphere of the situation, and further exemplified when she says “They all hate you- that’s the truth.”(LL 63-64). Her bold words towards her master, brought forth by her reaction to the circumstance further exemplifies the fearlessness she employs when talking to her boss. She continues to disobey and disrespect Hindley when he goes to drink more when she “Endeavouring to snatch the glass from his hand.” (LL 74-75). Her direct violation of his wishes and disrespect lead the reader to understand her bold disregard for social stigmas and norms regarding the behaviors between servants and masters. Her actions and words are more similar to that a mother or sister might use. She even goes as far as to become sarcastic and rude at one point when she says “ I’d rather be shot, if you please.” (LL 15). Her rude, sarcastic tone given the situation she was in, with a knife pointed at her, demonstrates an obscene level of audacity by Nelly. Nelly even knows she does not respect the authority Hindley holds when she thinks “ I was never much afraid of his vagaries.” (LL 20). Her fearlessness in the face of an unpredictable, violent man perfectly shows the daring personality she possesses. Possibly the most bold thing she does however, is when she says “his mother does not rise from the grave to see how you use him.” (LL 58) which jabs at his dead wife, which is, without a doubt, a sore subject. Her blatant disregard for this subject’s precarious nature is the most telling of her bold, brave, reckless