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Section 20 of 34
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Page 2 of 2
CHAPTER XX
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Chapter 20 — CHAPTER XX
Central question
Why is young Cathy kept in the dark about Hareton?
Main argument
Edgar and Nelly try to protect Cathy from Heathcliff by withholding information, but secrecy only makes the...
AI Summary
Wuthering Heights
Section 20 of 34
Chapter 20 — CHAPTER XX
Central question
Why is young Cathy kept in the dark about Hareton?
Main argument
Edgar and Nelly try to protect Cathy from Heathcliff by withholding information, but secrecy only makes the household more fragile. The chapter shows the limits of protection when the past can still act at a distance.
Key ideas
Secrecy is used as protection.
Cathy’s curiosity is itself risky.
Heathcliff’s influence persists even when absent.
Key takeaway
Trying not to name the threat does not make it disappear.
makking her breead .”
“
Don’t mention his mother to me ,”
said the master ,
angrily . “
Get him
something that he can eat ,
that’s all .
What is his usual food , Nelly?”
I suggested boiled milk or tea ;
and the housekeeper received
instructions to prepare some .
Come ,
I reflected ,
his father’s
selfishness may contribute to his comfort .
He perceives his delicate
constitution ,
and the necessity of treating him tolerably .
I’ll console
Mr . Edgar
by acquainting him with the turn Heathcliff’s
humour has
taken .
Having no excuse for lingering longer ,
I slipped out ,
while
Linton
was engaged in timidly rebuffing the advances of a friendly
sheep-dog.
But he was too much on the alert to be cheated :
as I closed
the door ,
I heard a cry ,
and a frantic repetition of the words —
“
Don’t leave me !
I’ll not stay here !
I’ll not stay here !”
Then the latch was raised and fell :
they did not suffer him to come
forth .
I mounted Minny,
and urged her to a trot ;
and so my brief
guardianship ended .
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