Chapter Chapter Summaries of Wuthering Heights - Study Guide by The Bronte Sisters

Chapter Three

Isabella escapes to the Grange, telling Nelly that she is running away from Heathcliff. He later hears that she has given birth to a son, and Nelly interrupts the story to tell us that Isabella died when her son was twelve. Shortly after Catherine’s death Hindley dies also. Wuthering Heights now belongs to Heathcliff, having been mortgaged to him because of gambling debts. The disinherited Hareton is now dependent on Heathcliff alone.

Chapter Four

The next twelve years are quickly passed over by Nelly. Young Catherine lives a happy but sheltered life at Thrushcross Grange. Isabella writes to Edgar telling him that she is dying, and asks for her son to be looked after by him. While away organizing this, Catherine ventures beyond the Grange to Wuthering Heights. She meets Hareton and learns that he is her cousin. Nelly tells her to keep this secret for it will put her job in jeopardy.

Chapter Five

The death of Isabella brings Edgar and Linton Heathcliff to the Grange. Joseph arrives soon after and orders Edgar to return Linton to Heathcliff. Edgar promises that Linton will arrive the next day.

Chapter Six

Nelly takes Linton to Wuthering Heights. Catherine doesn’t know of her cousin’s close proximity, only that his father has sent for him. Heathcliff is disappointed in his son, but outlines his wish for Linton to eventually control the property of the Lintons and Earnshaws.

Chapter Seven

Catherine is upset at Linton’s departure. On her sixteenth birthday she meets Heathcliff and Hareton while wandering on the moors with Nelly. They return to the Heights against Nelly’s will. Heathcliff tells Nelly he plans for Linton and Catherine to marry; he would therefore gain ownership of the Grange when his son dies. Catherine finds out how she is related to Heathcliff and Hareton and later confronts her father with this. Edgar tells her Heathcliff wants revenge. She agrees not to return to the Heights but secretly corresponds with Edgar instead. Nelly learns of this and Catherine ceases her letters for fear of her father finding out.

Chapter Eight

Edgar is confined indoors because of a chill. Catherine meets Heathcliff again and is told Linton is dying because she broke his heart. She goes with Nelly to visit him again the following day.

Chapter Nine

Catherine and Nelly visit the Heights. Catherine and Linton quarrel about marriage. She tells him his parents hated each other, he tells her that her mother hated her father and loved his. He has a fit of coughing which secures a promise from Catherine to visit again. She now has freedom because Nelly also falls ill.

Chapter Ten

Three weeks later Nelly is well again. She asks that Catherine read to her, hindering the girl’s meetings with Linton. Nelly discovers this and Catherine confesses that they have not been enjoyable. She tells of an argument they had about the ideal heaven. She also recounts how she mocked Hareton’s attempts to read, and Nelly reprehends her. Nelly tells Edgar of Cathy’s disobedience but although the girl is forbidden to go to the Heights again, Linton is invited to visit the Grange.