(BLOCK-3) (UNIT-4) ‘YOU LOOK LIKE A LADY NOW’: SIGNIFICANCE OF CATHERINE

1. What is the significance of Hindley's remark that his sister looks like a ’lady"? Is ’lady' the same as 'memsaab'?

In Wuthering Heights, Hindley's remark that his sister Catherine looks like a "lady" is significant because it highlights the class differences that exist between the characters in the novel. The term "lady" was traditionally used to refer to a woman of high social standing or nobility, and as such, it suggests that Catherine is perceived as being from a higher social class than her brother Hindley.

This distinction between social classes is important throughout the novel, as it shapes the relationships and interactions between the characters. Catherine's marriage to Edgar Linton, for example, is seen by many of the other characters as a betrayal of her roots and a move towards a more refined and genteel way of life.

Regarding the second part of your question, "lady" and "memsaab" are not exactly the same thing, although they do have some similarities. "Lady" is a term that originated in England and traditionally refers to a woman of high social status or nobility, whereas "memsaab" is a term used in India and Pakistan to refer to a woman of European or Western descent, particularly one who is seen as being privileged or superior in some way.

While both terms are used to convey a sense of social status and privilege, they have different connotations and implications depending on the cultural context in which they are used.

2. What importance does money have in Catherine's choice of marrying Edgar. Are you convinced with her arguments? Do you have any alternative explanation?

Money plays a significant role in Catherine's decision to marry Edgar in Wuthering Heights. Catherine acknowledges that Edgar is not as passionate or intense as Heathcliff, but she ultimately chooses to marry him because of his social status and wealth. Catherine believes that marrying Edgar will allow her to live a more comfortable and stable life, with access to all the trappings of a wealthy lifestyle, such as fine clothes, jewelry, and other luxuries.

While Catherine's arguments about marrying Edgar for his wealth may not be entirely convincing from a modern perspective, it's important to remember that the novel is set in a time and place where social class and economic standing were highly valued. As a woman of limited means and low social status, Catherine sees marrying into a wealthier and higher-ranking family as a means of securing her own financial and social stability.

At the same time, it's worth considering other possible explanations for Catherine's decision to marry Edgar. For example, she may have been swayed by his kindness and affection towards her, or by the fact that he represented a more refined and cultured way of life than the rough and rustic existence she had known at Wuthering Heights. Ultimately, Catherine's motivations are likely to be complex and multifaceted, reflecting a range of personal, social, and economic factors.

3. Do you agree with the view that Catherine is in the centre of a stressful relationship first between Heathcliff and Hindley and later Heathcliff and Linton. Do you think she is the controlling authority? Discuss.

It could be argued that Catherine is at the center of the stressful relationships that develop between Heathcliff, Hindley, and later, Linton, in Wuthering Heights. Her passionate and tumultuous nature, combined with her attractiveness and charisma, make her a magnet for intense emotions and conflicts.

However, it's also worth noting that Catherine is not necessarily the controlling authority in these relationships. While she has a strong personality and is not afraid to speak her mind, she is often at the mercy of the men around her, who hold more power and authority in their social and economic positions.

In the case of Heathcliff and Hindley, for example, Catherine is caught in the middle of a power struggle between two men who both want to assert their dominance over her and over each other. While Catherine's love for Heathcliff is intense and passionate, she ultimately marries Edgar Linton for his social status and wealth, which sets off a chain of events that leads to further conflicts and tensions.

Similarly, in her relationship with Linton, Catherine is largely at the mercy of his weak and manipulative personality, which is shaped by his upbringing in a sheltered and privileged environment. While she attempts to assert her own desires and needs, she is ultimately unable to control the events that unfold around her.

Overall, while Catherine is certainly a central figure in the conflicts and tensions that arise in Wuthering Heights, she is not necessarily the controlling authority in these relationships. Rather, she is often caught between conflicting forces, both internal and external, that shape the course of her life and the lives of those around her.

4. Make a list of the things that Catherine does or says which you think is her protest against the society in which she lives. Make another list which you think is her conformity of social norms and patterns. Which list impresses you most and why?

List of Catherine's Protests Against Society:

Rejects social norms and expectations of women by refusing to marry for money and status, and instead choosing Heathcliff, who is considered socially inferior

Expresses her desire to be free and unrestrained, and resents the limitations placed on her by society

Refuses to conform to the expectations of refined behavior and instead indulges in wild and passionate behavior

Rejects the societal taboo against interracial relationships by expressing her love for Heathcliff, who is of a different ethnicity

List of Catherine's Conformity to Social Norms:

Chooses to marry Edgar Linton, a wealthy and socially acceptable match, over Heathcliff

Adheres to the expectations of a refined and cultured lady by wearing fine clothing and attending formal events

Accepts the social hierarchy and class system of her time, even though she may not agree with it

Adheres to societal norms of behavior and etiquette, even when it goes against her own desires or instincts

Of the two lists, Catherine's protests against society impress me the most. By rejecting societal norms and expectations, she shows a strong and independent spirit that challenges the oppressive and restrictive conventions of her time. Her desire for freedom and self-expression is inspiring, and her willingness to pursue her own path, even at great personal cost, is a testament to her strength and resilience. While her conformity to social norms may have been necessary for survival in her society, it is her protests against these norms that truly set her apart and make her a memorable and compelling character.

5. Is there a contradiction between the Catherine that loves Heathcliff and the Catherine that marries Edgar? Give reasons for your answer.

Yes, there is a contradiction between the Catherine that loves Heathcliff and the Catherine that marries Edgar. Catherine's love for Heathcliff is passionate, intense, and all-consuming. She describes their connection as a "unity" and a "heavenly communion," and she cannot imagine living without him. Heathcliff is her soulmate, and she cannot fathom being with anyone else.

In contrast, Catherine's marriage to Edgar is based on practical considerations rather than love. She acknowledges that Edgar is not her soulmate, but she sees him as a means of securing financial stability and social status. She knows that by marrying Edgar, she will be able to elevate her status and gain access to a life of luxury and privilege.

This contradiction is evident in Catherine's own words and actions. She tells Nelly that she loves Edgar but does not explain why she loves him, nor does she express any passion or intensity in her feelings for him. She seems to be more focused on the practical benefits of the marriage rather than any emotional connection.

Furthermore, Catherine's behavior after her marriage to Edgar suggests that she is not happy with her decision. She becomes ill and depressed, and she longs to be reunited with Heathcliff. Her obsession with Heathcliff and her resentment towards Edgar suggest that her heart truly belongs to Heathcliff, and that her marriage to Edgar is a compromise that has left her unfulfilled.

In conclusion, there is a clear contradiction between the Catherine that loves Heathcliff and the Catherine that marries Edgar. While her love for Heathcliff is passionate and all-consuming, her marriage to Edgar is based on practical considerations and lacks any real emotional connection. This contradiction ultimately leads to Catherine's unhappiness and discontent, highlighting the destructive power of societal expectations and the limitations they place on personal freedom and self-expression.

6. Do you think Nelly evaluates Catherine in the right perspective. Is that the way one woman should understand another woman? 

Nelly, as a character in the novel, is an outsider looking in on Catherine's life. She has a unique perspective on Catherine's behavior and motivations because she has observed her closely over the years. Nelly seems to have a deep understanding of Catherine's character and recognizes both her strengths and weaknesses.

However, Nelly's evaluation of Catherine is not necessarily the only or the "right" perspective. Different readers may interpret Catherine's character and motivations in different ways. Additionally, it's important to recognize that Nelly is not without bias, and her perspective on Catherine may be influenced by her own beliefs and values.

Regarding the second part of your question, whether one woman should understand another woman in a certain way, it's important to acknowledge that every person has their own unique perspective and experiences. It's impossible for one person to fully understand another person's motivations and inner workings. However, it's important to approach others with empathy, respect, and an open mind, and to try to understand their perspectives as much as possible.