Near the end of the book, Hareton shoots himself by accident. This injury proves to be a good thing. Hareton’s restrictions bring him and Cathy closer to each other.
Detailed answer:
Emily Brontë’s novel includes many characters with tragic destinies. Hareton and Cathy manage to overcome theirs. It took them a while to get accustomed to each other and to forgive. The way Cathy treats Hareton is similar to the way Catherine treats Heathcliff. Heathcliff’s main issue is the lack of understanding. He is unable to let go of the grudge. His character lacks personal development. These exact problems Hareton and Cathy are able to solve in the end.
Hareton grew up in the hostile environment of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff treats the boy with cruelty, just like Hindley treated him. Hareton did not get an education. Heathcliff treats the boy as a slave. Hareton’s resemblance to his mother softens Heathcliff’s attitude a little. His upbringing results in Cathy’s inability to see him for who he is.
Cathy is conflicted because Hareton is of a lower caste. He is illiterate and uneducated. With time Cathy becomes more appreciative of the boy’s endeavors. It is the unfortunate injury that helps them to create a relationship. While walking through the hills, Hareton shoots himself by accident. Cathy takes care of him, and while taking care of him, she grows to like him. In his essay, Thomas J. Joudrey says that accepting differences and sharing knowledge leads to a good relationship.
Hareton’s injury proves to be a “bad thing turn good.” It showed both him and Cathy good qualities of each other. They overcame their grudges and tried to improve. It proved beneficial for their relationship. People tend to live by prejudices. Finding a good company in life may require patience and acceptance. Sometimes it requires and unfortunate accidents.