Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER XXXIII

With Hareton unwell for work, Cathy persuades him to clear Joseph’s prized currant bushes to make a flower bed. At breakfast, Cathy teases Hareton until he laughs, drawing Heathcliff’s ire. Joseph bursts in, denouncing the garden “outrage.” Cathy claims responsibility; Heathcliff rages, and the dispute escalates.

When Catherine taunts that Hareton will oppose him, Heathcliff seizes her and seems ready to injure her. At the last moment he relaxes his grip, orders Cathy to stay with Nelly, and threatens to cast out Hareton if he sides with her. He eats little and departs, leaving them unsettled.

In Heathcliff’s absence, Hareton forbids Cathy to speak ill of Heathcliff, revealing deep habitual loyalty. Cathy accepts this and avoids maligning their oppressor. They resume lessons; Hareton improves rapidly, encouraged by Cathy’s praise, and Nelly watches their progress with quiet satisfaction.

At dusk, Heathcliff returns and catches them studying by the fire. Disarmed by Hareton’s strong resemblance to the late Catherine Earnshaw, he dismisses Cathy but lets the scene pass. Alone with Nelly, he reflects bitterly that, at the height of his power, his will to destroy has evaporated; their sight pains him, yet he cannot act.

Heathcliff confides that he is haunted everywhere by Catherine’s image and that Hareton personifies his own youth and lost passions. He senses an approaching change, feels no illness or fear of death, but lives only for a single consuming wish. Restless and muttering, he paces, revealing a mind tormented yet outwardly controlled, foreshadowing imminent collapse.