Wuthering Heights, Chapter 17 summary

What happens

1. Isabella reaches the Grange wounded, destroys her wedding ring, and tells Ellen how she escapes Heathcliff.
2. Her account describes Hindley’s failed armed attack, Heathcliff’s brutal retaliation, and the knife Heathcliff throws at her.
3. Isabella leaves the neighborhood, bears a son named Linton, and lives apart from Heathcliff until her death.
4. Edgar withdraws from public life but finds comfort in his daughter Cathy and his religious hope.
5. Hindley dies, and Ellen discovers that his debts leave the whole estate mortgaged to Heathcliff.
6. Heathcliff blocks Ellen’s effort to take Hareton away and holds the boy in unpaid dependence.

In this chapter

What to notice

Heathcliff addresses Hareton as Hindley’s coffin leaves the house. His claim joins financial power with control over the unsuspecting child.

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