Compiled Reading Logs all by Nicholas Benson

Civility and Passion

1. Section 3 (Chapters 8-9) Chapter VIII: Page  66: Nelly compares the old Catherine that was passionate with the current haughty Catherine that has become considerably civilized. The double presented here has to do with the contrasting reflection of time between young Catherine and teenage Catherine. Nelly states that "she did turn out a haughty..creature!", referring to how the character has developed from less than haughty, passionate beginnings. Nelly also adds "after her infancy was past", furthering emphasizing the difference time has made on Catherine over the years. The purpose of the contrast between young Catherine and teen Catherine to the meaning of the novel is to teach the reader about the influences of passing time on the soul and how people change overtime.

• Section 3(Chapters 8-9) Chapter VIII:Page 71:Catherine contrasts the civilized Edgar with the passionate Heathcliff. The comparison between the two is "a bleak, hilly, coal country" and a "beautiful fertile valley". The contrast between Edgar and Heathcliff in appearance, intelligence, and countenance all reflect the underlying theme of passion and civility. Heathcliff's wild, savage, nature reflects that of his passion. Edgar's proper and well composed countenance embodies his civilized form.

2. Section 5 (Chapters 12-13) Chapter XIII:Page 138: Edgar nurses over Catherine in the hopes that she not only become healthy but also that she return to her more civilized state. Edgar contrasts Catherine's current passion induced sickness with the health she had when she was behaving in a more civilized manor. The quote "that her mind would settle back to its right balance also, and she would be entirely her former self" truly says it all.

Two Houses

1. Section 4 (Chapters 10-11):Chapter X:Page 111: On this page the two houses, "Wuthering Heights" and the "Grange" are used to create a foreboding tone regarding the nature of Heathcliff's intentions. Shrouded in mystery at this point in the story, Nelly is fearful of what Heathcliff's future actions may be and how they will effect the two homes (the main settings of the novel). This foreboding tone creates a sense of suspense and foreshadows future events. Wuthering Heights represents Heathcliff's goal of revenge for past trials, while the Grange symbolizes his growing desire for conquest.  
2. Section 6 (Chapters 14-16):Chapter XIV:Page 151: Wuthering Heights symbolizes constraint of desired freedom for Isabella. The Grange symbolizes attainment of freedom from Heathcliff and acceptance by her brother. The Grange is the house that is better represented physically and represents desire, while Wuthering Heights is represented poorly physically and emphasizes the undesired. "You may call Wuthering Heights...it is out of the question my going to see her" is a statement by Edgar that reflects the symbolism of Wuthering Heights being a prison that prevents the dreams of those within from being fulfilled. Isabella will never get what she desires at Wuthering Heights and is trapped away, unable to reach the Grange: the forgiveness it symbolizes, or the freedom from Heathcliff. 
3. Section 1 (Chapters 1-3):Chapter II:Page 7: The Grange acts as a symbol of civilized luxury. Wuthering Heights symbolizes negativity and passion. The symbolic nature of these two houses is consistent throughout the novel. "I had have a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights" supports the idea that the Grange is a preferable and more enjoyable residence than Wuthering Heights. The grime and mud representing the cold, discomforting and disgusting nature of Wuthering Heights. The study fire reflecting the warm home feeling that resonates from the Grange. 

Window

1. Section 2 (Chapters 4-7):Chapter VI:Page 83 (Kindle Version):The drawing-room window in this scene acts as a portal between the savage and civilized worlds. On one side of the portal are the civilized Linton children, while on the other side is the passionate but savage children of Wuthering Heights. The window not only acts as a way for the two worlds to view one another through its transparency but also acts as a barrier, dividing the two worlds from truly meeting. The window brings the two worlds together, while still at the same time keeping them apart. This symbolism emphasizes the running theme of civilized vs. passionate that runs through the novel and connects to the novel's deeper meaning regarding the question of whether one can truly be civilized without being passionate, and vice-versa. 

Property and Ownership

1. Section 7:Chapter XVII:Page 177:Isabella smashes and burns her ring, which is symbolic of her cutting ties with Heathcliff and moving on with her life. Isabella has "run the whole way from Wuthering Heights" to escape the abusive brute. In an act of passion and self liberation she smashes and burns her "ring" as a final stand against her oppressor as she moves on to Gimmerton. This marks an important transition in the novel, as Isabella has finally taken her first steps to escape from Wuthering Heights physically and figuratively. With her "wound" bounded and her "garments" changed by Nelly, Isabella has destroyed the last thing that connects her to Heathcliff symbolically...the only thing left connecting them being their child.
2. Section 9:Chapter XXV:Page 266-267: In the last passage of page 266 which carries on to page 267, Edgar shows that he is willing to sacrifice the Grange for the love of his daughter. This moment in the novel seals the fate of the Grange and allows Heathcliff's plan to reach one of its greatest heights. While Edgar has been resistant to Catherine and Linton being together in the end he concedes the idea of keeping them apart stating that the only way she could gain the property that was rightfully her's "was by union with his heir". Edgar has reached a point where he is willing to loose the Grange to Heathcliff for the sake of his daughter.

Interior and Exterior

1. Section 8 (Chapters 20-22):Chapter XXII:When Catherine falls on to the exterior of the garden wall she looses her protection from the evil of Wuthering Heights. The garden walls of the Grange symbolize a protective shield that prevents the negative influences of Wuthering Heights from taking hold of Catherine. Nelly warns Isabella to "Stay where you are", emphasizing the dangers of going to far from the wall..from the safety of the Grange. Moments after she falls on to the other side of the wall "Heathcliff" arrives to tempt her to go with him. Nelly attempts to "open" the gate and bring Isabella back in, but she is far too late. This scene holds an ominous tension that builds up suspense for the novel and re-enforces the symbolic purity of the Grange and the negative aura of Wuthering Heights.

Ghosts

1. Section 10 (Chapters 27-30):Chapter XXIX:Page 295: Linton's fear of his father has manifested psychological presences that haunt him in the night. When Heathcliff states "my presence is as potent on his nerves as a ghost", he is personifying the strength of Linton's fear for his father. The novel's personification of fear symbolizes the trembling power that fear holds over people. The quote "he sees me often though I am not near" further cements the use of phantom imagery to give fear a face. 
2. Section 11 (Chapters 31-finish):Chapter XXXIV:Page 348: The novel ensures that the power of love lives on with its use of ghost to personify the everlasting love of Catherine and Heathcliff. Catherine and Heathcliff are buried together in one united grave. Catherine and Heathcliff always appear together as ghosts. Even though they have both departed, they will always be together reflecting that of a love that will never pass. A love so strong that even a young boy can see it as he notes: "There's Heathcliff, and a woman".