Observation

This question demands that the candidates comment on how Heathcliff and Hindley are treated as children. Candidates’ responses were mere narration of events.

Candidates were expected to discuss:

• The themes of love, hatred and revenge.
• The character identification of Heathcliff and Hindley
• 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.
• Instances of ill treatment of both characters as children
• Heathcliff: Hindley makes him a labourer at the Heights. Heathcliff is verbally abused. Catherine kisses Heathcliff and then snubs him. Hindley denies him education.

• Hindley: there is little love lost between Hindley and his father. Mr. Earnshaw always punishes Hindley for mistreating Heathcliff. Headley is sent to boarding school away from home.
• Consequences of ill treatment: Heathcliff becomes hardened by ill treatment and feels justified in vengeance on Hareton, Linton, Cathy and Isabella. Hindley regards his father as an oppressor rather than a friend and never forgives Heathcliff for being Mr. Earnshaw’s favourite child.
• Significance of childhood ill treatment: it highlights the theme of revenge, shows that the consequences of social neglect can be great, hardens the two in adult life, breeds vindictiveness in Heathcliff and Hindley as adults., accounts for the mutual acrimony of the two when they become grown-ups.

Candidates provided comprehensive answers which showed a knowledge of the text