Heathcliff and Edgar Linton Comparison

2009 Term 3: Wuthering Heights Unit

Heathcliff and Edgar Linton are two major characters in the novel, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, whom are representative of extreme personalities when compared to each other. Even their physical characteristics display their differences clearly. Heathcliff is constructed to be dark, well-built and strongly masculine whilst Edgar Linton is described to be fair haired and skinned and more effeminate. However, although the readers generally obtain opposite impressions from these characters throughout the novel, there are a few distinguishable similarities within their character in regarding their experiences. The most distinctive similarity or interest they share is their devoted and passionate love towards Catherine Earnshaw. It is undoubtedly evident that both characters truly love Catherine yet their expression of this passionate emotion differentiates them effectively. This is shown when Catherine falls ill and the two characters react in a divergent manner. Edgar Linton illustrates his fondness for her through careful nursing and attending to her diligently while in contrast Heathcliff blames her for inflicting pain upon him through her unstable health and complains of the unfairness of the situation. Another similarity between the unlike characters is that each have a child they are to care for and are connected to emotionally. Nonetheless, the treatment each minor receives significantly differs and demonstrates the obvious gap between the Heathcliff and Edgar. Heathcliff raises Hareton similar to how he was raised and as a consequence the successor grows up to be as rough as the maternal father. Little Catherine, in turn, is raised as a delicate lady, inside the protective fence of her father. Heathcliff and Edgar Linton are two unlike characters who are confronted with simultaneous situations throughout the novel but then react and respond to these scenarios in conflicting behaviour.