Catherine's conversation with Nelly

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English: Wuthering Heights

Chapter 9 – Catherine's conversation with Nelly

In this chapter, Catherine has a moment of vivid emotion in which she describes to Nelly her feelings towards Edgar Linton and Heathcliff.

Catherine approaches Nelly in confidence, thinking no one is there to hear her. Upon Nelly acknowledging that there is no one around, Catherine has an outburst of emotion in which she proceeds to cry. Straight away we can see that Catherine prefers to 'bottle' her emotions rather than show them, preferring to put on pretence of defiance and an uncaring attitude towards authority rather than displaying her true feelings.

Catherine was previously rude to Nelly, but "her winsome eyes" gave Nelly "that sort of look which turns off bad temper". This shows that even without speaking, Catherine has a powerful character and can 'bend' people to her will if she puts her mind to it.

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Catherine describes her secret. That is to say, she tells Nelly that she has received a request of marriage from Edgar Linton and also that she has given him an answer. Her dilemma is that she does not know if her answer was correct and is asking for Nelly's guidance. This shows Catherine's underlying insecurities and her association with Nelly and wisdom.

Catherine continues, and finally says that she has accepted Edgar's request. For Nelly to give an answer to whether she thought this was appropriate, she asks some questions that reveal more about Catherine's character.

Catherine's answer to the ...

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