"A perfect family"One of the key binary oppositions present in Wuthering Heights is that between the Earnshaw family and the Linton family. This opposition is a key part in making the novel as dramatic and dark as it is, because the way the two families are so different and yet linked at their core by the two marriages creates drama and all of the dark feelings/themes of the play. The Earnshaw family, who’re the first family we’re introduced to, appear to be strange, somewhat dark and give the reader some underlying feelings of uneasiness while reading it. On the other hand, the Linton family at first glance appears to be a sort of “perfect family”. On the surface, the children are well spoken, obedient and neat and the adults are classy, cultured and polite. The household is pretty and warm, with a roaring fire and a comfortable living room. However, it can quickly be seen that all is not as it seems. The children are dark and cruel, as well as having vindictive natures, which cannot be gleaned from first impressions. Aside from that, there are huge differences in between the heirs of each family, most notably in their ability to triumph over their enemy (who is universally Heathcliff). Edgar beats his adversary, showing his right to the Grange, whereas Hindley is ultimately impaled upon his own sword (pun intended) and Heathcliff acquires much sooner the rights to the Heights. This opposition helps to change the reader’s opinions about the mannerisms and personalities of the different families, owing to a more engaging read.
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“In that manner Hareton, who should now be the first gentleman in the neighbourhood, was reduced to a state of complete dependence on his father’s inveterate enemy; and lives in his own house as a servant, deprived of the advantage of wages: quite unable to right himself, because of his friendlessness, and his ignorance that he has been wronged.”
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