Wuthering Heights: Plot Summary

Chapter 1: Mr. Lockwood, a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, visits his landlord Mr. Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights and is struck by the dark, unwelcoming environment.
Chapter 2: On his second visit to the Heights, Lockwood frightens a pack of dogs and is forced to spend the night.
Chapter 3: Lockwood dreams of a ghost named Catherine, hinting at the supernatural elements in the novel.
Chapter 4: The housekeeper Nelly Dean begins to narrate the history of the families living at the Heights and the Grange.
Chapter 5: Nelly describes the childhood of Heathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw, and her brother Hindley.
Chapter 6: Catherine and Heathcliff grow close while Hindley grows increasingly resentful towards Heathcliff, foreshadowing the ensuing conflict.
Chapter 7: Mr. Earnshaw dies, allowing Hindley to mistreat Heathcliff and thus driving a wedge between Heathcliff and Catherine.
Chapter 8: Catherine becomes more attracted to Edgar Linton, indicating the growing divide between her and Heathcliff.
Chapter 9: Catherine confides in Nelly her love for both Heathcliff and Edgar, further complicating her romantic interests.
Chapter 10: Catherine chooses to marry Edgar, leading to Heathcliff’s disappearance.
Chapter 11: Heathcliff returns three years later, a changed and more vengeful man.
Chapter 12: The complex relationship between Catherine, Edgar, and Heathcliff continues to expand as Heathcliff ingratiates himself into their lives.
Chapter 13: Heathcliff begins his revenge by manipulating Hindley’s son Hareton.
Chapter 14: Catherine falls gravely ill, reflecting the impact of her tumultuous relationship with Heathcliff.
Chapter 15: Catherine confesses her love for Heathcliff on her deathbed, culminating in a passionate exchange between the two.
Chapter 16: Catherine dies giving birth to her daughter, Cathy, and Heathcliff prays for her ghost to haunt him.
Chapter 17: Heathcliff takes control of Wuthering Heights after Hindley’s death.
Chapter 18: Heathcliff’s son Linton and Cathy meet for the first time, initiating a new generation of conflict.
Chapter 19: Heathcliff forcibly brings Linton to Wuthering Heights, showing his controlling nature.
Chapter 20: Cathy and Linton’s relationship grows, manipulated by Heathcliff’s plans for revenge.
Chapter 21: Cathy discovers her family connection to Hareton, intriguing her further about the Heights.
Chapter 22: Cathy makes repeated visits to the Heights, fostering her relationship with Linton.
Chapter 23: Nelly attempts to deter Cathy’s visits to the Heights, creating further tension.
Chapter 24: Cathy agrees to marry Linton, marking the height of Heathcliff’s manipulation.
Chapter 25: Nelly reveals to Lockwood the tragic circumstances surrounding Cathy’s marriage to Linton.
Chapter 26: The ill Linton dies; Heathcliff sends Cathy back to the Grange, removing the final obstacle to his complete control of the properties.
Chapter 27: Heathcliff discloses his obsession with the deceased Catherine to a horrified Nelly.
Chapter 28: Cathy and Hareton develop an unlikely friendship, bringing a rare instance of warmth to Wuthering Heights.
Chapter 29: Lockwood leaves the Grange and ends his narrative, letting Nelly narrate the ongoing story.
Chapter 30: Heathcliff’s behaviour becomes increasingly strange and obsessive, hinting at his impending death.
Chapter 31: Nelly recalls Cathy and Hareton’s blooming relationship, indicating a hopeful future for the family.
Chapter 32: Heathcliff’s health declines rapidly as he sees visions of Catherine, creating an unnerving atmosphere.
Chapter 33: Heathcliff dies and is buried next to Catherine, fulfilling his longing to be with her.
Chapter 34: The novel ends on a hopeful note, as Cathy and Hareton plan to marry and move away from Wuthering Heights, finally ending the cycle of revenge and suffering.