Things Fall Apart Essay- Okonkwo\'s Journey as a Tragic Hero PDF

Preview

Summary

Things Fall Apart Essay...

Description

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: Summer Reading CHARACTERS Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw have Hindley and Catherine Earnshaw. Mr. and Mrs. Linton have Isabella and Edgar Linton. Hindley marries Frances and they have Hareton Earnshaw. Catherine marries Edgar and they have Cathy Linton. Isabella marries Heathcliff and they have Linton Heathcliff. Cathy Linton marries Linton Heathcliff first and when he dies, she marries Hareton Earnshaw. CHAPTERS 1-3 (Prologue) 1. What is Lockwood’s first reaction to Heathcliff? What connections does Lockwood think exist between them? What do Lockwood’s comments about Heathcliff tell us about him? Lockwood’s first reaction to Heathcliff is interesting. Lockwood thinks that the both of them avoid human society and are “reserved” (Brontë 5). Lockwood sees Heathcliff as intelligent (7) and appearing “heartless” (5). Lockwood describes that his “heart warmed toward him” (1), which shows him as a relatable, understanding person. 2. How does the opening set the tone for the novel? Note the use of words like solitary, misanthropist, and desolation in the first paragraph. What mood does Brontë create with these words? The desolation of Wuthering Heights mirrors the desolation of Heathcliff puts himself in. With her diction, Brontë creates a mood of loneliness and mystery. 3. How is the description of Heathcliff significant? Note identifications between Heathcliff and animals in the opening scene. The description of Heathcliff is significant because it sets up his character as a misanthropist. Both Heathcliff and the dogs he owns do not know how to handle guests because they rarely have them and are often alone. 4. After his second encounter with the inhabitants at Wuthering Heights, what conclusions does Lockwood begin to draw about their characters? Lockwood concludes that Mrs. Heathcliff is “more repellingly than [Mr.] Heathcliff” (10), her father-in-law and that she acts like a “witch” (17). Lockwood believes that Heathcliff is “savage” (12) and that Hareton demands respect (15) and is easily angered. 5. Why is Heathcliff so moved by Lockwood’s dreams? How does this passage initiate the motif in the novel: The importance of dreams as a pathway to associations and knowledge not available to the rational mind? Heathcliff is moved by Lockwood’s dreams because it brings back the thought of a love he has lost. This passage initiates the following motif: “the importance of dreams as a pathway to associations and knowledge not available to the rational mind” by presenting to Lockwood Heathcliff’s mourning of a lost love and the reason for Heathcliff’s detachment from society. 6. Also, make note of important plot elements such as: In what year does the novel open? Who is the new tenant at Thrushcross Grange? Who is the landlord of Thrushcross Grange? Who is the narrator? The novel opens in the year 1801. The new tenant at Thrushcross Grange is Lockwood and the landlord is Mr. Heathcliff. The narrator of Wuthering Heights is Lockwood.

Synthesis: Chapters 1-3 Discuss the significance of each of the following quotes. In what ways do these quotes begin to shape our understanding of the characters or the themes of the novel? 1. “Mr. Heathcliff forms a singular contrast to his abode and style of living. He is a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman.” This quote is significant because it characterizes Heathcliff and describes his home as very different than him. Heathcliff is described as a “gypsy” (a.k.a a person who travels many places and communicates with different people) while his house is described as desolate with very few guests. 2. “Terror made me cruel; and, finding it useless to attempt shaking the creature off, I pulled its wrist on the broken pane, and rubbed it to and fro till the blood ran down and soaked the bedclothes.” The quote above reveals Lockwood’s familiarity with violence and his reluctance to help someone in need. 3. “Come in! Come in.. Cathy, do come. Oh, do—once more! Oh! my heart’s darling! Hear me this time, Catherine, at last!” How does this speech compare with the portrayal of Heathcliff so far as a misanthropist, a man who doesn’t have any feelings? While Heathcliff is portrayed as a misanthropist at the start of the novel, the previous quote characterizes him as a man who has strong feelings for the woman that he loves. This occurrence shows readers that Heathcliff is more than meets the eye. Chapters 4-6 (History of the Family) 1. What are Heathcliff's origins? How does Heathcliff fit into the family? Heathcliff is found on the streets of Liverpool, starving and abandoned. Earnshaw takes him in and Heathcliff joins Catherine and Hindley as a “child” of Earnshaw. Mr. Earnshaw favors Heathcliff, while Mrs. Earnshaw, Catherine, and Hindley have a distaste for him. 2. How is Catherine described by Nelly? Is there any suggestion that Nelly is exaggerating or emphasizing certain traits over others? Catherine is described as a mischievous troublemaker by Nelly but she also points out that Catherine has times of showing affection. Nelly claims that Catherine shows much liking for Heathcliff. Nelly over-emphasizes Catherine’s trouble-seeking demeanor, Hendley’s corrupt behavior, and Mr. Earnshaw’s favoritism for Heathcliff. 3. How does Hindley treat Heathcliff when he returns as master of the home after his father’s death? When Hindley returns as master of the home after his father’s death, he treats Heathcliff in an awful manner, regarding Heathcliff as a servant and not allowing him to get an education. Synthesis: Chapters 4-6 How do these quotes help us to understand the characters? 1. “I found that they had christened him ‘Heathcliff’; it was the name of a son who died in childhood, and it served him ever since, both for Christian and surname.” This quote helps us understand how Heathcliff, gaining the name of a child of Earnshaw who died at a young age, is somewhat filling a void that Mr. Earnshaw has in his heart for his deceased child.

2. “He complained so seldom, indeed, of such stirs as these, that I really thought him not vindictive. I was deceived completely, as you will hear.” The quote above reveals that Heathcliff is vengeful and that we will be shown this later in the novel. 3. “Her spirits were always at high-water mark, her tongue always going—singing, laughing, and plaguing everybody who would not do the same.” The previous quote shows readers that Catherine is an outgoing, attention-seeking individual. 4. “It is but a boy—but he scowls so plainly in his face; would it not be a kindness to the country to hang him at once, before he shows his nature in acts as well as features?” When a member of the Linton family says the quote above, readers are better able to understand how those outsides of Heathcliff’s family thinks of him: as an outcast among them. Chapters 7-9 1. How is Catherine changed by her stay at the Lintons? After she stays at the Lintons, Catherine acts and looks more like a proper lady. 2. What are Heathcliff's reactions to these changes in Catherine? Because of Catherine’s change in demure, Heathcliff distances himself from Catherine because he is intimidated by her changed social demeanor and looks. 3. How does Hindley react to his wife’s death? What connections can you see between his and Catherine’s and Heathcliff's behaviors? As a reaction to his wife’s death, Hindley becomes a cursing mess. His other “servants could not bear his tyrannical and evil conduct long" (76); thus, only Nelly and Joseph remain after his outbursts of anger. Just as Hindley rejects everyone except himself and his wife (76), Catherine rejects Heathcliff as she begins to spend more time with Edgar Linton and Heathcliff refuses to show Catherine his true feelings toward her. Hindley and Catherine both become increasingly ill-tempered towards the world. 4. How does Catherine feel about Heathcliff? Catherine loves Heathcliff but claims that she cannot have a relationship with him because his social class is so much lower than hers and them being together would be degrading to her. Synthesis: Chapters 7-9 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “I shall not stand to be laughed at, I shall not bear it?” This quote opens the reader’s eyes to the feelings Heathcliff gains when Catherine returns. We are shown that Heathcliff feels that his relationship with Catherine threatened because she is not the same girl she used to be. 2. “It struck me soon. . . there would be more sense in endeavoring to repair some of his wrongs than shedding tears over them.” Nelly’s statement above shows her ability to look past Heathcliff’s negative actions and strive to fix his outlook on life. 3. “Catherine and he were constant companions still as his seasons of respite from labor, but he had ceased to express his fondness for her in words, and recoiled with angry suspicion from her girlish caresses, as if conscious there could be no gratification in lavishing such marks of affection on him.”

The quote above reveals that Heathcliff was very fond of Catherine, but never tells her so. Because Heathcliff is aware of the differences in their social classes, he puts up a front that convinces Catherine that he does not have feelings for her. 4. “I’ve dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they’ve gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind.” Catherine’s claim of having dreams to be wealthy established woman shows why she would agree to marry Edgar Linton instead of acquiring a lower social status if she is with Heathcliff. Nevertheless, Catherine is having other dreams that are altering her thoughts and driving her to want a relationship with Heathcliff, not just any wealthy man. 5. “Nelly, I am Heathcliff! 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.” This quote shows that Catherine identifies with Heathcliff because she is always thinking of him and sees them as one. Chapters 10-12 1. In what ways is Heathcliff changed when he returns to Wuthering Heights? Why does he return? Upon returning to Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff seems more put together, wealthy, intelligent, and confident. He returns to get even with Hindley and rent a room at Wuthering Heights (possibly to be nearer to Catherine). 2. What is Catherine’s reaction to Isabella’s infatuation with Heathcliff? When Catherine realizes that Isabella is infatuated with Heathcliff, she gets angry and makes it her mission to embarrass Isabella in front of him. 3. How does Nelly interfere in Catherine’s affairs and how does she react to Catherine’s hysteria and prediction that she will become dangerously ill? How culpable is Nelly for not informing Edgar about Catherine’s illness? Nelly interferes with Catherine’s affairs when she tells Edgar about a disagreement between Catherine and Heathcliff concerning Heathcliff’s intentions with Isabella. Nelly telling Edgar of this leads to a violent altercation between Edgar and Heathcliff. Nelly ignores Catherine’s hysteria and the possibility that she will become dangerously ill by making her ailments not seem as serious as they are. Nelly is somewhat culpable for not informing Edgar about Catherine’s illness because although Catherine is othen dramatic, her hysteria should have convinced Nelly to seek help. 4. When Catherine becomes dangerously ill, to what time in her life does her mind return? Why? When Catherine becomes dangerously ill, her mind returns to the time in her life when she was living at Wuthering Heights and was in love with Heathcliff. Her mind returns to these past times because it was when she was the happiest in her life. Synthesis: Chapters 10-12 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “I’ve fought through a bitter life since I last heard your voice, and you must forgive me, for I struggled only for you!”

This quote is significant because it shows that Heathcliff still loves Catherine after all of their time apart and that everything Heathcliff does is for Catherine. 2. “Tell her what Heathcliff is—an unreclaimed creature, without refinement, without cultivation; an arid wilderness of furze and whin stone.” This quote, said by Catherine, reveals that she is only saying negative, untrue things about Heathcliff in order to convince Isabella that she should not pursue a relationship with Heathcliff. Catherine’s possessive words over Heathcliff make readers think that she still has feelings for him. 3. “You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able.” When Catherine approaches Heathcliff about his feelings for Isabella, he says the quote above to show Catherine that her marriage to someone else has tortured him so he now strives to torture her with his new relationship. This reveals that Heathcliff is vengeful for past offenses done to him by Catherine. Chapters 13-15 1. Why does Heathcliff elope with Isabella? What does she discover about his nature? Heathcliff elopes with Isabella as revenge against Catherine for not choosing him and against Edgar for wanting Isabella to have nothing to do with Heathcliff. Isabella discovers that Heathcliff is both harsh and hateful. 2. What happens when Catherine and Heathcliff meet again? When Catherine and Heathcliff meet again, they each blame the other for the failure of their relationships and then they show much love and affection towards one another. Heathcliff claims that he forgives her for what she did to him but not for what she did to herself because he loves her more than anything. Synthesis: Chapters 13-15 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “I have no pity! I have no pity! The more the worms writhe, the more I yearn to crush their entrails! It’s a moral teething; and I grind with greater energy, in proportion to the increase of pain.” This quote is significant because it proves that Heathcliff is attempting to make Isabella as miserable as he can in their marriage so that she will want a divorce. 2. “Because misery, and degradation, and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of you, own will, did it.” The quote above shows that Heathcliff blames Catherine for their separation because she chose Edgar over him. Chapters 16-18 1. What is Nelly’s first thought after the death of Catherine and the birth of a baby girl? What does this continue to show about her feelings for Catherine? Nelly does not show any grief for Catherine’s death and worries about the master having no heir, as the child is a girl. Nelly’s reaction to Catherine’s death is consistent with her feelings of cold-heartedness towards Catherine. 2. What is Heathcliff's reactions to Catherine’s death?

Heathcliff is absolutely devastated over Catherine’s death and even makes himself bleed by hitting his head on a tree. 3. What is Isabella’s response to Heathcliff ’s misery over the death of Catherine? How much satisfaction does she enjoy? Isabella feels satisfied that Heathcliff is miserable because of Catherine’s death. She feels much satisfaction because she feels that Heathcliff is being repaid for all of the pain that he has caused her. 4. What type of person is the child Cathy? How is she like or unlike her mother? What is her reaction when she first meets Hareton and learns he is her cousin? The child Cathy is adventurous and “a sweet little girl” (239). Cathy has “the capacity for intense attachments… [and] a propensity to be saucy” (228), just as her mother did. On the other hand, the child Cathy “does not resemble her [mother because] she could be soft and mild as a dove, her anger was never furious; [and] her love never fierce: it was deep and tender” (228). Cathy gets along well with Hareton until he reacts unkindly when she mistakes him for a servant; thus, she is unhappy when she realizes Hareton is her cousin. Synthesis: Chapters 16-18 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!” The quote above, said by Heathcliff when he learns of Catherine’s death, is expected but really does highlight how torn apart he is over her passing. 2. “I gave him my heart, and he took and pinched it to death, and flung it back to me.” This quote is significant because it proves how negatively Isabella feels about the way Heathcliff treated her during their marriage. 3. “Well, Miss Cathy, if you were aware whose house this is, you’d be glad enough to get out.” The quote above, said Nelly, reveals that she still has ill feelings towards Heathcliff and also reveals that Cathy does not know of him. Chapters 19-21 1. What type of child is Linton? How much of his father, Heathcliff, is in his personality? How does his physical condition affect his father’s reaction to him? Linton is a sickly, mourning child because of his mother’s death. Linton’s personality does not resemble Heathcliff’s personality in any way as Linton greatly reflects his mother’s attributes. His physical condition makes him seem weak and incompetent to his father. 2. How does Heathcliff plan to use Linton? Heathcliff plans to use Linton by having him marry Cathy so that he will inherit Thrushcross Grange as well as Wuthering Heights. Synthesis: Chapters 19-21 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “Do you know that twenty times a day, I covet Hareton, with all his degradation?” This quote is significant because it shows how even though Hareton reminds Heathcliff of himself during the most difficult time in his life, Heathcliff still does all he can to keep Hareton in poverty because he does not know how to fix his own emotional wounds from the past. 2. “I began to dislike, more than to compassionate, Linton, and to excuse his father, in some measure, for holding him so cheap.”

The quote above shows Nelly’s new feelings toward Linton and Heathcliff by mentioning her judging of Linton and beginning to dislike him, just as she judges his father, but also her disregarding of Heathcliff’s actions towards his son. Chapters 22-28 1. Why does Nelly allow Cathy to visit Linton? Nelly allows Cathy to visit Linton because Cathy was very upset about her father’s illness and her forced distancing from Linton was making matters worse. Nelly could not bear to see Cathy like that. 2. How does Linton get Cathy to want to visit him again? Linton gets Cathy to want to visit him again by making her feel guilty for pushing him. 3. Why is Cathy vulnerable to Linton’s appeal for pity? Cathy is vulnerable to Linton’s appeal for pity because she believes that she can nurse him back to health, which brings out her motherly instincts. 4. Why does Edgar agree to allow Cathy and Linton to meet on the moors? Edgar agrees to allow Cathy and Linton to meet on the moors because he wants her to have someone there to take care of her when he passes away. 5. Why does Cathy and Nelly consent to go to Wuthering Heights? Cathy and Nelly consent to go to Wuthering Heights because Linton says that Heathcliff is threatening to kill him if he does not marry Cathy and that Heathcliff demanded he brings her back to the house. 6. How does Heathcliff show his cruelty to Cathy? Heathcliff shows his cruelty to Cathy by locking her and Nelly in an inescapable room, plotting Cathy and Linton against each other by telling Linton that Cathy is after his money, forcing her into a relationship for his own good, and keeping Cathy from her for an extended time father while he is dying. Synthesis: Chapters 22-28 Explain the significance of these quotes. 1. “I can get over the wall,” she said laughing. “The Grange is not a prison, Ellen, and you are not my jailer . . . And I’m certain Linton would recover quickly if he had me to look after him . . . I’d make such a pet of him if he were mine.” This quote is significant because it reveals that Cathy feels as if she has the authority to leave The Grange, despite her directions not to from Nelly and her father, to see Linton and also that she has the desire to see him and take care of him. 2. “Have you never loved anybody in all your life, Uncle? Never? Ah! you must look once—I’m so wretched—you can’t help being sorry and pitying me.” The quote above shows the irony of how both Heathcliff’s and Cathy’s...