Ending of Wuthering Heights Explained
What Happens at the End?
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The novel concludes with several significant events. Heathcliff dies, seemingly having starved himself after weeks of intense spiritual longing for Catherine Earnshaw.
His body is found in his old room at Wuthering Heights, with a look of peace on his face. Nelly Dean observes a ‘ghastly smile’ on his features, suggesting his reunion with Catherine.
Following Heathcliff’s death, Hareton Earnshaw and Cathy Linton (Catherine’s daughter) plan to marry. They intend to move from Wuthering Heights to Thrushcross Grange.
The narrative ends with Lockwood visiting the graves of Catherine, Heathcliff, and Edgar Linton. He ponders the notion of disturbed spirits resting peacefully.
Symbolic Meaning of the Ending
The ending symbolises a return to order and harmony after generations of turmoil. Heathcliff’s death breaks the cycle of revenge and suffering he perpetuated.
His passing allows the younger generation, represented by Cathy and Hareton, to forge a new future. Their union merges the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, in a positive way.
The final graveside scene suggests a spiritual reconciliation. Catherine and Heathcliff, whose love was tragically thwarted in life, are finally united in death.
Resolution of Central Conflicts
Love and Passion
The tumultuous, elemental love between Catherine and Heathcliff finds its ultimate resolution in his death. He achieves the spiritual reunion he craved, ending his earthly torment.
Their intense, destructive passion is contrasted with the more balanced, affectionate love of Cathy and Hareton. This new relationship offers a hopeful resolution to the novel’s exploration of love.
Revenge and Social Class
Heathcliff’s elaborate revenge plot, driven by his social humiliation and Catherine’s rejection, ultimately fizzles out. He loses interest in tormenting the younger generation.
Hareton, initially degraded by Heathcliff, regains his education and status through Cathy’s influence. This rectifies the social injustices Heathcliff inflicted.
The Ending’s General Vision and Viewpoint
The ending contributes to a complex general vision and viewpoint. It suggests that while destructive passions can cause immense suffering, love and forgiveness can ultimately prevail.
Initially, the novel’s general vision seems bleak, steeped in cruelty and despair. However, the final chapters offer a more optimistic outlook, albeit one hard-won through tragedy.
It affirms the cyclical nature of life, showing how the sins of one generation can be redeemed by the next. The wild, untamed nature of Wuthering Heights is finally tempered by domesticity.
Ambiguities and Interpretive Questions
One key ambiguity is the nature of Catherine and Heathcliff’s reunion. Are they truly at peace, or do their spirits continue to haunt the moors as local legends suggest?
Lockwood’s concluding reflections, questioning the idea of ‘unquiet slumbers’, leave this open. This maintains the novel’s gothic atmosphere and challenges simple interpretations.
Another question concerns the extent of Heathcliff’s redemption. Does his death signify true repentance, or merely an exhaustion of his vengeful spirit?
Connection to Overarching Themes
Nature vs. Civilisation
The ending sees the wildness of Wuthering Heights, embodied by Heathcliff, finally subdued. Cathy and Hareton represent a blend of nature and nurture, bringing civility to the desolate house.
Their relocation to Thrushcross Grange, and eventual return to a renovated Wuthering Heights, symbolises a harmonious integration of these opposing forces.
Cycles of Abuse and Redemption
The narrative concludes by breaking the cycle of abuse initiated by Hindley and perpetuated by Heathcliff. Hareton’s forgiveness and Cathy’s compassion offer redemption.
This suggests that while human cruelty can be profound, hope for breaking destructive patterns exists through conscious choice and love.
How to Write About This Ending in the Exam
When discussing the ending, focus on its symbolic weight and thematic implications. Avoid simply recounting the plot points.
Analyse how the resolution of conflicts contributes to the novel’s general vision and viewpoint. Consider the elements of hope and lingering ambiguity.
Refer to specific character developments, such as Heathcliff’s decline and Cathy and Hareton’s blossoming relationship. Use terms like ‘closure’, ‘reconciliation’, and ‘cyclical narrative’.
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