Chapter VII Practice Quiz — Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter VII
How long does Catherine stay at Thrushcross Grange before returning to Wuthering Heights?
Five weeks, until Christmas. During that time her ankle heals and her manners are much improved by Mrs. Linton.
How has Catherine's appearance changed when she returns from Thrushcross Grange?
She arrives on a handsome black pony wearing a feathered beaver hat, a plaid silk frock, white trousers, and burnished shoes—completely transformed from the "wild, hatless little savage" who left.
Why does Heathcliff hide behind the settle when Catherine arrives?
He is ashamed of his dirty, neglected appearance. During Catherine's absence, he has become even more uncared-for, with clothes caked in mire and dust and thick uncombed hair.
What does Hindley say when he tells Heathcliff to greet Catherine?
"You may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome, like the other servants"—deliberately emphasizing Heathcliff's low status in the household.
How does Heathcliff respond to Catherine's comments about his dirty appearance?
He declares, "I shall be as dirty as I please: and I like to be dirty, and I will be dirty," then dashes headlong out of the room.
What condition does Mrs. Linton impose for allowing Edgar and Isabella to visit Wuthering Heights on Christmas Day?
She insists that her children be kept "carefully apart from that naughty swearing boy" (Heathcliff).
What does Nelly Dean remember while sitting alone in the kitchen on Christmas Eve?
She remembers old Mr. Earnshaw calling her a "cant lass" and giving her a shilling as a Christmas-box, which leads her to think of his fondness for Heathcliff and his fear that the boy would be neglected after his death.
What does Heathcliff ask Nelly on Christmas morning?
"Nelly, make me decent, I'm going to be good." After a night of fasting and reflection, he wants Nelly to clean him up before Catherine sees him.
What does Heathcliff wish he had instead of his own appearance?
"Light hair and a fair skin" and to be "dressed and behaved as well" as Edgar Linton, revealing his painful awareness of how social appearance determines worth.
What fantasy does Nelly invent to comfort Heathcliff about his origins?
She suggests his father might have been Emperor of China and his mother an Indian queen, each able to buy Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange with one week's income.
What does Nelly advise Heathcliff about appearance versus character?
"A good heart will help you to a bonny face, my lad... and a bad one will turn the bonniest into something worse than ugly."
How does Hindley prevent Heathcliff from joining the Christmas dinner?
He shoves Heathcliff back with a sudden thrust and orders Joseph to "keep the fellow out of the room—send him into the garret till dinner is over."
What remark does Edgar Linton make that provokes Heathcliff's violent reaction?
Edgar says Heathcliff's long hair is "like a colt's mane over his eyes" and wonders it doesn't make his head ache—a comment made without malicious intent.
What does Heathcliff throw at Edgar Linton?
A tureen of hot apple sauce, which he dashes full in Edgar's face and neck, causing Edgar to cry out in pain.
How does Catherine react to Edgar after the apple sauce incident?
She scolds Edgar for speaking to Heathcliff: "You should not have spoken to him! He was in a bad temper, and now you've spoilt your visit; and he'll be flogged: I hate him to be flogged!"
How does Catherine secretly reach Heathcliff when he is locked in the garret?
She climbs out through the skylight of one garret, crosses the roof, and enters through the skylight of the garret where Heathcliff is confined.
What does Heathcliff tell Nelly he is thinking about at the end of the chapter?
"I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!"
What is Nelly's advice to Heathcliff about revenge?
"It is for God to punish wicked people; we should learn to forgive." Heathcliff rejects this, saying God won't have the satisfaction he will.
How does Catherine show her distress at the Christmas dinner despite appearing indifferent?
She lifts food to her lips, sets it down, her cheeks flush, tears gush over them, and she slips her fork to the floor and dives under the tablecloth to conceal her emotion.
What entertainment arrives at Wuthering Heights on Christmas evening?
The Gimmerton band of fifteen musicians—a trumpet, trombone, clarinets, bassoons, French horns, a bass viol, and singers—who go round the respectable houses each Christmas.
What narrative device does Bronte use at the end of Chapter 7?
The frame narrative resurfaces as Lockwood and Nelly discuss the storytelling itself. Lockwood insists she continue "minutely" and reflects on how people in remote regions "live more in earnest, more in themselves."
What does the contrast between Catherine's refined appearance and Heathcliff's dirty state symbolize?
It symbolizes the widening class divide between them—Catherine is being absorbed into the genteel Linton world while Heathcliff is pushed further into degradation and social exclusion.