In her novel Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë presented Mr. Kenneth as a village doctor responsible for treating Catherine, Edgar, and Frances. Dr. Kenneth is a minor character. But he plays an essential role in the life of the Earnshows and Lintons. He seems to be the busiest man in Gimmerton, as he is the sole local doctor. The frank and rough man always puts his knowledge and efforts to maintain human health.
Detailed answer:
Dr. Kenneth appears several times in the novel at events related to birth, illness, or death. For instance, he diagnoses Catherine with insanity. Dr. Kenneth announces the death of his close friend Hindley. He passed away due to chronic alcohol addiction. Cathrine’s brother and doctor liked to spend time talking and drinking alcohol. The author mentions the presence of the specialist at events like Hereton’s birth and Edgard’s death. Dr. Kenneth comes across as a practitioner with high medical education. Thus, local people entrust their lives to him.
The doctor is a respectable person who resembles the patriarchal nature of the society he serves. The majority of locals trust his well-founded prognoses. Even those who initially balk at them. He is not a perfect professional. The doctor often resorts to rash judgments of people, trivial and emotionless rhetoric. He tends to pass around rumors. For instance, in chapter 12, the specialist informs Ellen about a late-night meeting of Isabella and Heathcliff.
Mr. Kenneth offers to bet on his filly that Hindley Earnshaw would outlive everyone from here to Gimmerton. He claims that Hinley would pass away as a gray-haired sinner. In terms of the plot, Mr. Kenneth matters little as other minor characters do. For example, like Mr. Green and Zillah. His controversy and failings make him one of the most exciting doctors in English literature. The doctor is a bright sample of the times depicted in the novel.
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