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"Catherine Earnshaw is a character readers can both like and dislike." Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to Wuthering Heights. - Leaving Cert English - Question A (i) - 2011
Question A (i)
"Catherine Earnshaw is a character readers can both like and dislike." Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to Wuthering Heights.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"Catherine Earnshaw is a character readers can both like and dislike." Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to Wuthering Heights. - Leaving Cert English - Question A (i) - 2011
Step 1
Discuss Catherine Earnshaw's dual nature.
Answer
Catherine Earnshaw is an intricate character in Wuthering Heights, often evoking mixed feelings among readers. On one hand, she embodies the archetype of a tragic heroine; her passionate love for Heathcliff and her tumultuous upbringing elicit sympathy. Despite this, her selfishness and manipulative behaviors showcase a darker side that readers may find frustrating.
For instance, her decision to marry Edgar Linton for social status rather than her true feelings reflects her abandonment of genuine emotional connections. This choice highlights her internal conflict and drives the narrative, inviting readers to understand her complexity, yet also provoke their disdain.
Step 2
Explore her relationships.
Answer
Catherine's relationships serve as pivotal points that further illustrate her dual persona. Her deep bond with Heathcliff evokes admiration, representing unyielding love and connection. However, her treatment of him—a blend of affection and cruelty—grants readers reason to critique her character.
Additionally, her interactions with Edgar contribute to the duality present; while her attempts to fit into societal norms may garner understanding, they simultaneously underscore her betrayal of Heathcliff, thereby complicating readers' perceptions.
Step 3
Conclude with the complexity of her character.
Answer
Ultimately, Catherine Earnshaw is a character designed to be multifaceted. Readers are likely to find themselves oscillating between empathy and critique as they witness her struggles with identity, love, and societal expectations. This complexity ensures that she remains a compelling figure within Brontë's narrative, validating the statement that she can be both liked and disliked.