Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER I
Overview
Mr. Lockwood visits his landlord, Heathcliff, at Wuthering Heights and encounters extreme reserve and hostility. A canine attack and the bleak, fortified house establish the Heights’ harsh character. Despite Heathcliff’s reluctance, Lockwood resolves to return, setting up further acquaintance and deepening mystery around Heathcliff and his household.
Summary
In 1801, Mr. Lockwood, a self-described misanthrope and the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, calls on his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, at Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff greets him with clipped reserve, and Lockwood notes both the man’s suspicious manner and the desolate, windswept setting.
Lockwood observes the Heights’ austere, fortified architecture and the ancient name “Hareton Earnshaw” carved above the door, hinting at long local history. Inside the stark sitting-room, he contrasts the wealthy display of pewter and arms with Heathcliff’s dark, gentlemanly yet morose presence. Lockwood digresses on his aversion to overt feeling, recognizing a similar reserve in Heathcliff.
Left alone briefly, Lockwood provokes the house dogs and is attacked; a pack of snarling animals swarms him until a robust servant woman disperses them with a frying-pan. Heathcliff returns with Joseph, the elderly servant, shows minimal concern, and coolly offers wine, remarking guests are rare and the dogs vigilant.
Regaining composure, Lockwood shares small talk as Heathcliff grudgingly engages. Though Heathcliff plainly dislikes company, Lockwood, buoyed by comparative sociability and curiosity, announces he will visit again the next day, setting the stage for further encounters at Wuthering Heights.
Who Appears
- Mr. LockwoodNarrator and new tenant of Thrushcross Grange; visits Heathcliff, is attacked by dogs, and decides to return.
- Mr. HeathcliffLandlord at Wuthering Heights; reserved, inhospitable yet offers wine; reluctant to encourage Lockwood’s visits.
- JosephElderly servant; surly, slow to assist during the dog attack, embodies the household’s unwelcoming tone.
- Servant womanRobust kitchen worker who breaks up the dog attack with a frying-pan and scolding.