Love in Wuthering Heights

After she is attacked by a dog while she and Heathcliff are outside a party at Thrushcross Grange, Catherine is invited to stay at the Linton's to receive training in how a proper lady should behave. While at the Linton's, Catherine catches the eye of the Linton's son Edgar. Edgar continues to court Catherine after her return to Wuthering Heights where Catherine's behavior towards Heathcliff changes. Her judgment about feelings for Heathcliff is clouded by her new feelings for Edgar. Heathcliff begins to question Catherine about spending so much time with Edgar, and Catherine calls him "ignorant and dull" (Bronte, p. ) Edgar soon asks Catherine Earnshaw to marry him When Catherine rushes to tell Nelly about her engagement, anticipation isn't exactly Catherine's attitude. " "(Bronte, p. ) Heathcliff, who was listening in on the conversation runs away from the Heights and is followed by Catherine. She becomes ill from running in the storm all night and is taken to the Linton's to recuperate. The relationship between Catherine and Edgar is not forced or hurried. They take their time and are married three years after their engagement. At first, Catherine's life at Thrushcross Grange seems to have eased her uneasiness about her marriage to Edgar. After Heathcliff returns, Edgar's jealousy of his wife's feelings for Heathcliff becomes apparent. Edgar and Catherine's relationship was based on sexual feelings and not on true need or desire for the other. Edgar's feelings for Catherine are much stronger than her desire for him. However, after Catherine becomes ill, Edgar's realization of how deep her love for Heathcliff really goes causes him to give up on their marriage.