More Notes On Wuthering Heights

[poliphilo]

They're all so young! Hindley- who I've been picturing as a broken down old man- has just died at the age of 27. Nelly Dean is the same age. Ditto Edgar Linton. Cathy, Heathcliff and Isabella are considerably younger. The only significant character belonging to an older generation is Joseph- the man with the brogue. If no-one acts with sense it's because they haven't learned any yet. Wuthering Heights is a rock and roll household and poor old Hindley is Brian Jones. Emily Bronte, who was in her mid twenties when she wrote the book is talking about her generation.

Does Hindley die of alcohol poisoning or does Heathcliff help him on his way? The verdict remains open.