Wuthering Heights journal 3

Modification of: Wuthering Heights journal 2

From this week's readings, many events and epiphanies have happened. Hindley, a proud, greedy individual, has endured emotional pain in that his wife died just after giving birth to their son, Hareton. Darkness has grown within Hindley for he inflicts pain to deal with his own. "He held the knife in his hand and pushed it's point between my teeth;..." pg 76. Hindley uses violence to create fear for others. As a result, Heathcliff feels no empathy for Hindley. From all the violence Hindley has inflicted upon Heathcliff, "he might have the privilege of...painting the house-front with Hinldey's blood." pg 52. In connection to Hindley and his family affairs, many widowed parents of the present blame their children and people they love. It is human nature to put someone to blame for an inevitable event. As Hindley fails to accept death of his wife and Heathcliff's presense, he offers no love and compassion to others.  

Unfortunately, it is not only Hindley who shows epiphany. "I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own." pg 116. Catherine is in conflict with herself in which she loves Edgar Linton but Heathcliff as well. Edgar is a kind man who has lots of money to his name; Heathcliff is everything Catherine enjoys in life. Catherine has become wild, short-tempered and very irrational. After having an argument with Heathcliff, she uses violence towards Nelly, Hareton and Edgar Lintonto release her pain. "It's a kindness to let you have a glimpse of her genuine disposition." pg 74. With violence, Catherine has just destroyed her reputation within the house hold and destroyed her friendship with Nelly, Hareton and Heathcliff. However Edgar is too much in love with Catherine to cancel their marriage. When Catherine fell ill after Heathcliff's visit, Mr.Linton stayed to care for her day and night. He put Catherine's life before his own. "No mother could have nursed an only child more devotedly than Edgar tended her."pg 132. No matter how much Catherine wanted to be free and live with Heathcliff, Edgar still cared for her. With his efforts, Edgar was able to "preserve a mere ruin of humanity" pg 132, in other words, Catherine. 

Little Hareton has been in the middle of conflict all his childhood life. Conflict has been a negative influence for Hareton's case since Hindley abuses him constantly. This is where Heathcliff comes in to create even more conflict. "he curses Daddy for cursing me...Heathcliff has promised that." pg110. Heathcliff is planting more conflict between Hareton and Hindley in act of nurture. With that Heathcliff gives affection and love to Hareton; Hareton sees Heathcliff more as a father than Hindley.

In our group discussions, we are doing quite well. We each have something to offer every day and try to explain to each other what is happening in the book. If one does not understand something, she asks the group. We are very accepting for we don't put each other's opinions down, we elaborate ideas. I think that I have contributed to the group discussions with my ideas, questions, answers and that I completed my reading goals. What I will try to do next week is to continue to complete our reading goals and try to finish all the in-class assignments to have more time to discuss.

In connection to Marcus' journal #2, he said that "pain does bring growth, but in the way a muscle is strengthened. Pain destroys the weaker portions of us and allows our strengths to fill the gaps, however if the pain exceeds the capacity of the person, it takes away our strength as well. If we can find redirection or intervention it is possible to make a recovery over a period of time, if not the pain often consumes us." Hindley's loss (his wife) offered pain that was never healed. His pain hindered not only Hindley's growth but Hareton's as well. With the infliction of pain and violence brought on to him, Hareton turns to others to seek direction and strengthen himself. Unfortunately, Heathcliff seeks violence towards Hindley and finds that Hareton is his path to success. Heathcliff teaches Hareton to swear and hate his own father. Furthermore, Joseph influences Hareton to speak and act improperly. In a way, Hareton has found peace and love with the presence of Heathcliff and Joseph. It has made him feel wanted and part of a family. This offers a positive attribute to Hareton's character and future well-being; however, compared to other children at the time, Hareton is exposed to a negative environment and adult atmospheres that have potential to hinder Hareton's growth in character. All in all, I personally feel sympathy and pity for Hareton. He didn't ask to be in this chaotic lifestyle; pain and darkness just fails to give mercy for the innocent.