WH timeline

Ch. 1

Lockwood’s visit Wuthering Heights. He meets Heathcliff and experiences the house’s cold, unwelcoming atmosphere.

Ch. 2

Lockwood meets Catherine Linton and Hareton; the strained relationships between the characters and hostility at wuthering heights are clear.

Ch. 3

Lockwood falls ill, and Nelly begins telling the story of the Earnshaw and Linton families. This sets the stage for the family conflicts.

Ch. 4

Mr. Earnshaw adopts Heathcliff, and Hindley’s resentment of him grows. This begins the theme of class conflict and hostility towards Heathcliff.

Ch. 5

Catherine and Heathcliff’s close bond develops, but Hindley’s cruelty deepens. Heathcliff’s mistreatment contrasts with his deep connection to Catherine.

Ch. 6

Catherine meets Edgar Linton, and her growing affection for him starts to pull her away from Heathcliff. This introduces the theme of social class vs. true love.

Ch. 7

Catherine becomes torn between Heathcliff and Edgar. Heathcliff is hurt by her shifting affection, highlighting his vulnerability and love for her.

Ch. 8

Catherine agrees to marry Edgar, though her heart is with Heathcliff. This foreshadows the tension and emotional struggles ahead.

Ch. 9

Heathcliff disappears for several years. Catherine marries Edgar, and Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff’s absence signals a shift in the power dynamics.

Ch. 10

Heathcliff returns, now wealthy, and seeks revenge on those who wronged him, particularly Hindley and Edgar. His transformation marks his shift towards cruelty and obsession.

Ch. 11

Heathcliff manipulates Hindley, who is now vulnerable due to his alcoholism. Heathcliff takes control of Wuthering Heights and starts planning his revenge.

Ch. 12

Heathcliff manipulates Isabella to provoke Edgar. His cruelty becomes more apparent, as he uses others for his own vendettas.

Ch. 13

Catherine’s health deteriorates due to emotional stress. She’s torn between her love for Heathcliff and her social duty to Edgar. This highlights the emotional consequences of her choices.

Ch. 14

Catherine’s condition worsens, and she longs for Heathcliff. Her emotional and physical decline marks the tragic nature of her love for him.

Ch. 15

Catherine dies after giving birth to Cathy. Heathcliff is devastated, believing her spirit will haunt him. This marks the culmination of their tragic love.

Ch. 16

Cathy grows up unaware of the previous generation’s conflicts. She’s raised by Edgar and kept isolated from the turmoil of her parents’ past.

Ch. 17

Hareton, raised by Heathcliff, mirrors Hindley’s earlier mistreatment. Cathy and Hareton’s relationship start with mutual disdain.

Ch. 18

Heathcliff’s obsession with Catherine’s ghost grows, causing his physical and mental decline. His obsession drives the plot’s tragic tone.

Ch. 19

Cathy and Hareton begin to reconcile, starting to understand each other. This signals the possibility of healing and breaking the cycle of hatred.

Ch. 20

Heathcliff’s health continues to decline as his obsession deepens. His physical deterioration parallels his emotional torment.

Ch. 21

Heathcliff dies, consumed by revenge and obsession. His death brings an end to the destructive cycle he created.

Ch. 22

Cathy and Hareton start to form a bond, recognising the shared pain of their families. This marks the beginning of reconciliation.

Ch. 23

Cathy and Hareton’s relationship grows warmer as they move toward mutual respect. Their bond contrasts with the previous generations’ hatred.

Ch. 24

Cathy and Hareton plan to marry, signalling the end of the long-standing animosity between the families.

Ch. 25

Cathy and Hareton marry, bringing peace to both Wuthering Heights and Thrush-cross Grange. The destructive love of Heathcliff and Catherine is laid to rest.