Wuthering Heights Power Struggle Essay

Wuthering Heights can be split into sections rather effectively by partitioning the novel according to Heathcliff’s standing in society and within his family. The most clearly defined sections in chronological order would be: Heathcliff living with all of the Earnshaws, Heathcliff living with Mr. Earnshaw and Catherine, Heathcliff living with Hindley, the mystery years, Heathcliff living with Hindley, and Heathcliff as the master of Wuthering Heights. Some of the most interesting and suspenseful moments in the novel take place near transition from section to section. I have selected one of those very moments, the moment in which Mr. Earnshaw begins his rapid physical and mental deterioration. During this time period, a power struggle breaks out in the

Earnshaw runs out of ways to deal with Hindley. After further discussion with the curate, Mr. Earnshaw reached the conclusion that “‘Hindley was naught, and would never thrive as where he wandered.’” (Pg. 29) To get rid of Hindley during some of his last days on earth, Mr. Earnshaw sends Hindley to college. Mr. Earnshaw does not send Hindley to college to get an education, instead he has completely given up hope for Hindley. Mr. Earnshaw would rather spend his final days with his more liked children, Catherine and Heathcliff. Mr. Earnshaw’s lack of forward thinking is incredible; He is only concerned with himself and current situation. He cares none for the future relationship between Heathcliff and Hindley upon Hindley’s return from college. Nelly interjects that “It hurt [her] to think the master should be made uncomfortable by his own good deed” (Pg. 29) Nelly realizes that that Heathcliff has done only harm to Mr. Earnshaw’s sanity despite all the good that Mr. Earnshaw did for him. Nelly believed that “[Mr. Earnshaw’s] discontent of age and disease arose from his family disagreements,” (Pg. 29) insinuating that Mr. Earnshaw’s physical and mental decline was caused by his family members’