Wuthering Heights, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. Mr. Lockwood introduces himself as the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, and Mr. Heathcliff reluctantly admits him.
2. Lockwood examines the exposed house, its carved doorway, and its crowded sitting room.
3. He compares Heathcliff’s reserve with his own and recalls withdrawing from a woman who returns his interest.
4. Left with the dogs, Lockwood makes faces at them, provokes an attack, and calls for help.
5. A woman from the kitchen drives the dogs away with a frying pan.
6. Heathcliff offers wine and conversation, and Lockwood decides to return tomorrow despite his host’s evident reluctance.

In this chapter

What to notice

Lockwood recognizes that his account of Heathcliff depends on assumptions drawn from himself. This limits the certainty of his character judgments.

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