Heathcliffâs son is Linton, a child of his union with Isabella Linton. Their marriage is loveless and may be reflected in their sonâs poor health. Heathcliffâs affections lie with Catherine. But she rejects him and marries Isabellaâs brother, Edgar.
Detailed answer:
In a perfect world, Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw would marry and have children. But the story of Wuthering Heights is different and much crueler. Although both characters have mutual affection, marrying Heathcliff, an orphan, would not benefit her. She chooses Edgar Linton, a handsome and wealthy man. Her decision offends Heathcliff and starts a tragic chain of events that will involve her children. In turn, he marries Isabella, who adores him, but he is only interested in her as a means of revenge.
Linton is a product of a corrupted union, where abuse and neglect were common. Isabella escapes Heathcliff and gives birth to her son away from him. Linton grows estranged from his father and only meets him after his motherâs death. Even in his sickness, he appears to be helpful to Heathcliffâs scheme. Linton develops a relationship with Cathy, Catherineâs daughter, which is full of arguments and pity. As if that is not enough, Heathcliff sees an opportunity, as Edgar is ill and has no male heirs. That is why he marries Cathy to his son.
Despite Lintonâs role in his fatherâs plan of revenge, he could not be farther from the character of Heathcliff. Their upbringing is different, which determines their polar personalities. Heathcliff grows in a harsh environment, scorned by some Earnshaws and betrayed by Catherine. On the other hand, Linton is raised by his mother, who is protective of him. Simply put, it is not an apple that does not fall far from the tree situation.
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