Wuthering Heights: Heathcliff and Catherine

It is difficult to decide if Catherine or Heathcliff is the protagonist. They are so much the same that it could be argued that they both are. Catherine herself even noted to her servant; "Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind...as my own being." (Bronte 88). 

Analysis of Heathcliff- Since the story is revolving around Heathcliff's story, it seems most likely that he is the protagonist. Heathcliff is viscous, malevolent, and cruel, which are not appealing qualities in any way. However, he is a central character in a love story, which leaves the reader feeling sympathetic towards his plight no matter how malicious he may be. Throughout the novel, Heathcliff continues to swap back and forth between the role of hero and villain. Heathcliff acts cruel to other characters because he is in love with Catherine yet she chooses to marry another man. He acts cruelly to others because he is so miserable about the one he loves. Just when he appears sadistic that he has no trace if decency left in him, he does something noble and sincere. In chapter 15, when Linton returns home to find Heathcliff there, Heathcliff tells him to care for Catherine before acting on his anger. "Look there! Unless you be a fiend, help her first- then you shall speak to me!" (Bronte172).

Analysis of Catherine- Catherine's short life is immersed in nothing but conflict, and where she is buried symbolizes this. She is not buried where her husband's family is buried, nor is she buried where Heathcliff's "family" is buried. She married her husband out of the need to retain her social stature, but in truth she was hopelessly devoted to Heathcliff, and she knew the act of marrying Edgar would not dispel her feelings for Heathcliff. Her love for Heathcliff however, illustrates her need to go against acceptable society, because Heathcliff was wild and there was an overwhelming side of Catherine that enjoyed throwing wild tantrums and being in love with someone that by society was not considered worthy of her affections. Catherine is a foil for Isabella, who marries Heathcliff, thus accentuating Catherine's wild spirit and occasional cruelty (like Heathcliff). In the end, Catherine dies because she cannot control her need to be in possession of the best of both worlds, and her death causes even more chaos afterwards.