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Cathy Linton Character Analysis in

Wuthering Heights | SparkNotes
2-3 minutes

The daughter of Edgar Lindon and Catherine, Cathy (as she's

referred to in this SparkNote for clarity's sake) serves as a beacon
of hope and change, and represents the act of breaking through
patterns of generational trauma. The reader is first introduced to
her while she is being held prisoner, trapped in Heathcliff’s clutches,
rendering Cathy’s arc across the book transformative; she goes
from serving as a pawn to becoming independent. In a book where
nearly every character meets a tragic end, Cathy doesn’t merely
offer a sign of hope for what’s to come, but also stands strong as a
force of nature that can persevere. As all the characters around her
succumb to their own weaknesses or cave to the power of societal
demands, Cathy emerges a stronger and more independent figure
whose will, imagination, and childhood sense of wonder allow her
to withstand the cruel elements around her.

When Cathy’s bold and eager personality crumbles into darkness

and depression under Heathcliff's control, she reaches a
crossroads that parallels one faced by many of the other characters
as well, with her mother as the most direct example. Yet where so
many before Cathy have failed, she ultimately maintains her
humanity and is willing to find beauty in unexpected places when
she opens up to Hareton, and ultimately falls in love with him.
Helping him learn to read and write, for example, illustrates the
transformative effect she has on a manor, one which contrasts with
the decay and stagnation for which it has been previously known.

After Heathcliff’s death, Cathy is truly free. She and Hareton are
able to move forward in their lives, something the previous
generations never achieved. Untethered by the machinations and
agendas of their families, they are able to look toward the future, to
build a life of joy together that their parents never knew.