In 1801, Mr. Lockwood, newly arrived as tenant of Thrushcross Grange, visits his landlord and nearest neighbor, Mr. Heathcliff, at Wuthering Heights. Lockwood is drawn to the place's isolation and imagines Heathcliff, with his suspicious reserve and brusque manner, as a kindred misanthropic spirit.

Heathcliff reluctantly admits Lockwood and orders Joseph, an elderly servant, to take the visitor's horse and bring wine. Lockwood observes the exposed, storm-beaten situation of Wuthering Heights, its old carved doorway bearing the date 1500 and the name Hareton Earnshaw, and its rough but substantial interior, filled with dogs, old weapons, pewter, and farmhouse furnishings.

As Lockwood studies Heathcliff, he notices a contrast between the rough household and Heathcliff's dark, gentlemanlike appearance. Lockwood briefly reflects on his own emotional reserve, recalling how he once recoiled from a woman who returned his interest, and admits he may be projecting his own qualities onto Heathcliff.

Left alone while Heathcliff goes to find Joseph, Lockwood tries to pet a mother dog despite Heathcliff's warning. The dog attacks, and several other dogs join in, forcing Lockwood to defend himself and call for help. A strong kitchen woman rushes in with a frying pan and restores order before Heathcliff and Joseph return at their own unhurried pace.

Lockwood complains about the dogs, while Heathcliff coolly remarks that they are vigilant and unused to guests. After offering wine, Heathcliff becomes slightly more conversational, discussing the merits and drawbacks of Lockwood's remote residence. Though Heathcliff clearly does not want another visit, Lockwood decides to return the next day, feeling unusually sociable in comparison.