Wuthering Heights, Chapter 8 summary

What happens

1. Frances gives birth to Hareton, but Kenneth warns that her illness is fatal, and she dies despite Hindley’s insistence that she is recovering.
2. Nelly takes charge of Hareton while Hindley becomes abusive and reckless, driving most servants and respectable visitors away.
3. Catherine behaves politely with the Lintons but remains unruly at home, while Heathcliff loses interest in learning and grows bitter.
4. Heathcliff challenges Catherine about the time she spends with the Lintons, and she dismisses his companionship before Edgar arrives.
5. Catherine pinches and slaps Nelly, shakes Hareton, and strikes Edgar when he intervenes, but his attempt to leave ends in reconciliation.
6. Hindley returns drunk, separating the lovers, and Nelly hides Hareton and removes the shot from Hindley’s gun.

In this chapter

What to notice

Edgar openly condemns Catherine’s behavior after she strikes him. His return despite this judgment shows that his attachment outweighs his resolve to leave.

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