Revenge--
This is the most dominant theme of the second half of the novel, although
in the last chapter Heathcliff abandons his plan for revenge. Heathcliff
first believes that if he can avenge the death of Catherine that he will
somehow grow closer to her. However, the exact opposite occurs. When Heathcliff
gives up on his plan for revenge, he is soon reunited with Catherine in
eternal bliss.
Crime and Punishment--
All the characters have sinned in one way or another and in the end
they are all punished for their crimes. However, Cathy and Hareton are
not corrupt in any way and they are the ones who finally destroy the evil
between their families in the next generation.
Passion versus Rational Love--
Passion is what divided Catherine from Edgar. Catherine's passion for
Heathcliff ruined the lives of so many people at Wuthering Heights and
Thrushcross Grange. The whole story revolved around the passion that Catherine
and Heathcliff felt for each other. Edgar, on the other hand, felt a more
reasonable love for Catherine. Catherine was devoted to Edgar, yet was
in love with Heathcliff.
Ignorance versus Education--
From the beginning, the reader can deduce that the Lintons are at a
higher social status than the residents at Wuthering Heights. This is partly
due to the fact that the Lintons are better educated than the laborers
at the Heights. Young Cathy's love for reading has a direct effect on Hareton
Earnshaw's pursuits at becoming literate.
Selfishness--
The selfishness was first introduced when Mr. Earnshaw brought home
Heathcliff and presented him to the family. Because he took a fancy to
this young waif, the rest of the generations following Mr. Earnshaw's life
will suffer. Heathcliff was probably the most selfish person in all of
Wuthering
Heights. He ruined Catherine's life when he disappeared for three years.
He also ruined Isabella's life by marrying her only for revenge. Heathcliff
forced young Cathy to marry Linton and then later killed the poor sickly
boy through neglect. These are only the major actions that show Heathcliff's
selfishness. Catherine's selfish character was depicted when she wanted
both Edgar and Heathcliff at the same time. Catherine wanted Edgar for
his life and Heathcliff for his soul. She didn't want to choose between
the two of them, and therefore she never did. Thus, she caused pain for
Heathcliff and Edgar.