Observation

This question demands that the candidates comment on the social environment of the novel and the effect it has on the love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

Candidates were expected to discuss:

• The themes of marriage, revenge, property ownership etc.
• The character identification of Catherine and Heathcliff
• Nature of Catherine and Heathcliff’s love: Catherine and Heathcliff’s love is not sexual or romantic; it is elemental; Catherine describes it as ‘a rock’ which is not visible but it’s there; this love is their rebellion against Hindley’s maltreatment particularly of Heathcliff after Mr. Earnshaw dies.
• Class obstacle: though Catherine loves Heathcliff, she cannot marry him because of his social standing; Heathcliff loves Catherine so much; he becomes bitter on Catherine’s rejection of him; though Catherine marries Edgar, her heart belongs to Heathcliff.
• Catherine’s preference: Catherine’s reasons for marrying Edgar instead of Heathcliff have everything to do with her social class; Heathcliff’s attempt to get Catherine back is understandably futile.

Candidates provided comprehensive answers which showed a knowledge of the text