In chapter 31 of Emily Bronte's Wuthering
Heights we find Lockwood making an analysis of what he is witnessing from the
members of the household. There is a particular interest in the character of Hareton
Earnshaw. He is a young man, messy, illiterate, but still strongly-built and with an
even bigger attitude. He is treated like a servant although he seems to be an essential
part of the manor. He also shows pride in his name, as if he had been part of a
historically-famous family.
Yet, it is Heathcliff's
behavior towards Hareton what makes Lockwood wonder what exactly is going on. We are
told from the narration that Heathcliff can hardly stand the sight of Hareton, and that
Hareton resembles his aunt Catherine more and more. Heathcliff also seems to feed off
the dysfunctional relationship between Hareton and Catherine: Although they clearly seem
to have a romantic tension going on, they choose to be mean to each
other.
This being said, there is no doubt that what Hareton
represents is a young Heathcliff back in the times when it was Catherine Earnshaw who
would tease him. Similarly, Hareton is a messy, disheveled kid just like Heathcliff was,
as a foundling. In the same way, Heathcliffhad an uncanny amount of adoration for
Catherine which later turned into hatred and hunger for revenge. He lost Catherine to
Hareton's father, and now he seems to enjoy seeing Hareton in the same
situation.
Therefore, Heathclifftreats Hareton like he was
treated when he was a child by Hareton's father, Hindley. In the same line, Heathcliff
also cathartically enjoys the tense relationship between Hareton and Catherine because
it mirrors the relationship he once had with the first Catherine right before she chose
Hindley as a husband. This fascination is all part of Heathcliff's sick and sadistic
personality: One who is so hungry for revenge that he is willing to sacrifice anything
or anyone for it.
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