Wuthering Heights, Chapter 30 summary
Chapter 30 of 34 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 30, Mrs. Dean recounts Zillah’s report of Linton’s death, Catherine’s lonely nursing, and Heathcliff’s control of the property that leaves Catherine without money or support. Catherine rejects the household’s attempts at friendliness because of its earlier neglect, while the recovering narrator plans to leave for London.
What happens
- Joseph prevents Mrs. Dean from visiting Catherine, so she depends on Zillah for news.
- Heathcliff refuses medical help for Linton, and Zillah leaves Catherine to nurse him alone until he dies.
- Catherine stays upstairs for a fortnight, and Heathcliff shows her the will granting him Linton’s movable property.
- Driven downstairs by cold, Catherine accepts Hareton’s help reaching books but angrily rejects his touch and request for reading.
- Zillah describes continuing hostility, and Mrs. Dean sees no practical way to give Catherine another home.
- Mrs. Dean finishes her account, and the recovering narrator plans a visit to announce his departure for London.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Catherine explains why she distrusts the household’s friendliness. Her rejection grows from the abandonment she experiences while nursing Linton.
Quick check
Why does Catherine first come downstairs after her fortnight upstairs?
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