Catherine Earnshaw: A Feminist Role Model
In Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, Catherine Earnshaw is unaware of her proper gender role as a child. Her free spirit and carefree attitude allow her independence from conventional girlish norms. She is not concerned with fancy dresses or curls in her hair; instead, she prefers running barefoot through the moors and frolicking recklessly with Heathcliff. However, for Catherine, change is inevitable. In order for her to become a suitable wife and mother, she will have to transform from "a wild, hatless little savage" to a dignified female (63). Catherine is forced to abandon her fantasy childhood and outdoor adventures in order to accomplish her goals and unconsciously "turn the table" on an overbearing patriarchal system. Catherine is content with her life at Wuthering Heights until she sees the beauty and sophistication within the walls of Thrushcross Grange. After returning from Thrushcross Grange without Catherine, Heathcliff describes what he saw: "ah!--it was beautiful -- a splendid place carpeted with crimson, and crimson-covered chairs and tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold" (60). Catherine is awestruck by the house's elegance and beauty, but more
Although Catherine is not aware of her rebellion against feminine oppression, she inadvertently is challenging the system. In Catherine's era, the patriarchal society demands that she adhere to her prescribed social role; therefore, Catherine is constantly struggling for stability in her life. Catherine's attempt to use her feminine qualities for selfish reasons is an endeavor not used by most women in the nineteenth century-labeling Catherine a feminist before her time. Catherine's transition from a tomboy to a lady begins during her stay at Thrushcross Grange. Upon returning to Wuthering Heights, Catherine is besieged with compliments and flattery applauding her newfound womanhood and reinforcing her gender role. Hindley, who previously condemned Catherine, now treats her as a fragile object of beauty. Upon seeing Catherine for the first time, Hindley exclaims, "Why, Cathy, you are quite a beauty! I should scarcely have known you--you look like a lady now " (63). As is typical of the male perspective, Hindley hopes that Catherine will no longer care for running through the moors with Heathcliff, but instead marry Edgar and "bring honor to the family by an alliance with the Lintons" (93)
Some common words found in the essay are:
Edgar Linton, Catherine Hindley, Catherine Heathcliff, Heathcliff Catherine, Catherine Earnshaw, Heights Catherine, Dean Catherine, Unfortunately Catherine, Thrushcross Grange, Wuthering Heights, wuthering heights, thrushcross grange, thrushcross grange returning, catherine earnshaw, society catherine's, marry edgar, gender role, heights catherine, role model, wuthering heights catherine, feminine qualities, grange returning,
Approximate Word count = 815
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
