Wuthering Heights Group

Question:

mflo2359
mflo2359
Student
Community / Jr. College

In "Wuthering Heights", what character traits did Ellen Dean like and dislike in Heathcliff as a young boy?

How did she really feel about Heathcliff?

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Posted by mflo2359 on Tuesday January 6, 2009 at 7:20 PM and tagged with character traits, ellen, heathcliff, wuthering heights.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    As a boy, Nellie admits she did not really like Heathcliff all that much. However, when Hindley beats him, she is impressed at how quietly he puts up with abuse. This mistakenly leads Nelly to think that Heathcliff is not a vindictive person. After the death of Mr. Earnshaw and Catherine's stay at Thrushcross Grange, Hindley tells Heathcliff he “may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome, like the other servants.” Nellie feels sorry for Heathcliff and promises to teach him "decent". Nelly knows Heathcliff is dark skinned and not considered handsome so she tries to think of himself as a "dark, handsome, prince".

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/wuthering

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Thursday January 8, 2009 at 11:30 AM