Wuthering Heights
by Emily Brontë
Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
Lockwood returns unexpectedly to the neighborhood and discovers that Wuthering Heights has changed dramatically: Heathcliff is dead, Nelly now lives there, and Cathy and Hareton have grown close. Nelly explains that Cathy’s remorse over her cruelty led her to seek Hareton’s forgiveness and help him learn, turning their hostility into affection.
The chapter shifts the story from Heathcliff’s domination toward renewal, as the younger generation begins to repair the damage caused by pride, deprivation, and revenge.
Summary
In September 1802, Lockwood travels north and unexpectedly comes within fifteen miles of Gimmerton. On impulse, Lockwood decides to revisit Thrushcross Grange, partly to sleep under his own roof and partly to settle business with Heathcliff without making a later journey.
Lockwood finds the Grange poorly prepared and learns that Nelly Dean is no longer there but has gone to Wuthering Heights. While the housekeeper tries to make rooms ready, Lockwood walks to the Heights. The place seems changed: the gate is open, flowers scent the air, and the house appears more welcoming than before.
Before entering, Lockwood sees Cathy and Hareton together at a window. Cathy is teaching Hareton to read, teasing him affectionately, and rewarding his progress with kisses. Lockwood, surprised and envious, avoids interrupting them and instead enters through the kitchen, where Nelly is sewing while Joseph complains bitterly about her songs and Cathy’s influence.
Nelly recognizes Lockwood and explains that Zillah left and Heathcliff summoned Nelly to the Heights soon after Lockwood went to London. Lockwood asks to settle the rent with Heathcliff, but Nelly reveals that Heathcliff has been dead for three months. The young Cathy now has affairs to manage, though Nelly still acts for her.
Nelly then recounts how Cathy and Hareton’s relationship changed. At first Cathy was confined, restless, lonely, and cruelly mocking Hareton’s ignorance. After realizing that her ridicule had driven Hareton away from books, Cathy tried to repair the harm by leaving books near him and reading aloud where he could hear, but Hareton resisted out of wounded pride.
After Hareton injured his arm in a shooting accident and spent more time in the kitchen, Cathy made a direct attempt at reconciliation. On Easter Monday she apologized, admitted she had been miserable and bitter, kissed Hareton when he refused her hand, and offered him a wrapped book with a promise to teach him. Hareton accepted, and the two became allies. Though their friendship still faces difficulties, Nelly believes their union would make her completely happy.
Who Appears
- Mr. LockwoodReturns unexpectedly to the area, visits the Heights, and hears Nelly’s account.
- Nelly DeanNow at Wuthering Heights; recounts Heathcliff’s death and Cathy and Hareton’s reconciliation.
- Cathy HeathcliffRepents her mockery of Hareton, apologizes, offers books, and begins teaching him.
- Hareton EarnshawWounded by Cathy’s past scorn, gradually accepts her apology, friendship, and instruction.
- HeathcliffRevealed to have died three months earlier; had summoned Nelly and withdrawn from company.
- JosephComplains about Nelly and Cathy, disapproves of Cathy and Hareton’s growing intimacy.