Heathcliff's Transformation and Honorable Departure in The "Wuthering Heights"

The conclusion of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights presents readers with a sense of resolution as the tumultuous lives of the Earnshaw and Linton families reach a state of harmony. The reunion of the three key figures from the older generation—Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar—allows them to revisit the innocence of their youth. The narrative closes with a reassuring image: Heathcliff has undergone a profound transformation, coming to terms with his past and recognizing the significance of love and connection. Catherine finds eternal peace alongside the two men who shaped her life, while Cathy and Hareton embrace a future free from the chaos that Heathcliff once brought upon their families. Lockwood emphasizes that Heathcliff's evolution and dignified departure have resolved the long-standing conflicts among the families.

Heathcliff's Journey Towards Redemption

As Heathcliff approaches the end of his life, he finally attains the peace that eluded him throughout his tumultuous existence at Wuthering Heights. His unrelenting bitterness over Catherine's death fueled a desire for revenge, leading him to wreak havoc on the lives of those around him. Isolated and resentful, he exercises control over Cathy and Hareton, imposing harsh rules and punishments. Cathy perceptively notes, “his cruelty rises from his greater misery,” suggesting that Heathcliff’s own suffering manifests as aggression towards others. An outsider within the family, Heathcliff never finds his place among them, remaining an unhappy outcast throughout his life.

However, a pivotal moment occurs when Heathcliff realizes he no longer identifies with his family, leading him to a profound epiphany. The recognition of his alienation triggers a spiritual awakening, and he experiences joy for the first time. In a poignant confession to Nelly, he states, “I have nearly attained my heaven, and that of others is altogether unvalued…by me.” This admission reveals a newfound serenity within him, as he relinquishes the desire to harm Cathy or Hareton. Ultimately, Heathcliff finds solace in the moors—the only place where he truly belongs.

Catherine's Struggle and Legacy

In the latter part of the novel, Catherine grapples with a conflict that mirrors Heathcliff's turmoil. Bound to Wuthering Heights by her love for Heathcliff, she remains trapped in her own emotional struggle. As she faces her impending death, Catherine’s spirit becomes intertwined with Heathcliff’s, compelling him to hold onto her memory. Shortly before her demise, she gives birth to a daughter, also named Catherine, who embodies the continuation of her legacy. Heathcliff, recognizing the resemblance between mother and daughter, treats young Cathy with the same intensity he once reserved for her mother.

Heathcliff’s haunting plea to Catherine—“may you not rest, as long as… I am living”—places an unbearable weight on her spirit, demonstrating his unwillingness to allow her to move on. This torment culminates on the night of Heathcliff's death when Catherine's ghost reaches out to him, signaling the end of the turmoil that has plagued both families. With Heathcliff's passing, Cathy gains the freedom to marry Hareton, allowing her mother to rest in peace, knowing that the Earnshaws have triumphed.

Symbolism of Death and Renewal

Death in Wuthering Heights serves as a powerful symbol, representing not only an end but also a new beginning. For Heathcliff, entering the Earnshaw family as a child marked the start of his tumultuous journey. His son Linton, born from his union with Isabella, represents a fleeting connection to the family, but ultimately, Linton's frailty leads to his demise. Heathcliff’s disdain for Linton is evident when he declares, “Linton's life is not worth a farthing,” highlighting that none of his descendants are destined to thrive within the family.

As Cathy confronts Heathcliff, exclaiming, “you cannot make Linton and I hate each other!” she encapsulates the discord that Heathcliff has instigated. His demise liberates Cathy and Hareton from the oppressive weight of their shared history. Finally, Cathy Linton can embrace her identity as Cathy Earnshaw, reclaiming her mother’s name. When Lockwood departs Wuthering Heights for the last time, the absence of any reminder of Heathcliff’s existence—save for a modest grave beside Catherine's—underscores the finality of his departure.

Heathcliff's Transformation: A Summary

Conclusion

Lockwood's empathetic portrayal of Heathcliff during his final moments offers a poignant conclusion to the saga of the Earnshaw family. Accepting his fate, Heathcliff ultimately allows those he loves to find rest. The final imagery of Heathcliff and Catherine escaping into the spiritual realm through the broken window signifies their eternal bond, where they can finally revel in the peace of the moors, unburdened by the strife of their earthly lives.

References:

• Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. Penguin Classics, 2003.
• Smith, Andrew. "The Evolution of Heathcliff: From Vengeance to Redemption." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, 2018, pp. 45-62.
• Jones, Mary. "Symbolism in Wuthering Heights: Death and Rebirth." The Brontë Review, vol. 29, no. 2, 2020, pp. 14-29.