Chapter XIX Practice Quiz — Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter XIX
What news does the black-edged letter bring at the beginning of Chapter 19?
Isabella Linton is dead, and Edgar is returning to Thrushcross Grange with her son, Linton Heathcliff.
How does Catherine prepare for the arrival of her father and cousin?
She puts on a new black mourning frock, busies herself ordering her small affairs, and insists that Nelly walk down through the grounds with her to meet them.
What does Nelly observe when she first sees Linton Heathcliff in the carriage?
He is asleep in a corner, wrapped in a warm fur-lined cloak. She sees a pale, delicate, effeminate boy who strongly resembles Edgar but has a sickly peevishness Edgar never had.
How old is Linton Heathcliff relative to Catherine?
Linton is six months younger than Catherine. She mentions this as they walk to meet the carriage.
What is Linton's first request upon being introduced to Catherine?
"Let me go to bed, then." He shrinks from Catherine's greeting and begins to cry.
How does Catherine eventually soothe Linton after their arrival at the Grange?
She treats him like a pet or baby—stroking his curls, kissing his cheek, and offering him tea in her saucer—which coaxes a faint smile from him.
Why does Joseph come to Thrushcross Grange that evening?
Heathcliff has sent Joseph to collect Linton and bring him to Wuthering Heights immediately.
How does Edgar respond to Joseph's demand?
Edgar calmly refuses to wake the sleeping child, promising that Linton will go to Wuthering Heights the next day. He also mentions that Isabella wished the boy to stay under his care.
What threat does Joseph make as he leaves Thrushcross Grange?
Joseph warns that tomorrow Heathcliff will come himself and thrust Linton out if Edgar dares resist.
What does Linton's physical resemblance to Edgar rather than Heathcliff symbolize?
It symbolizes the irony that Heathcliff's own son has inherited the Linton delicacy he despises rather than any of his own fierce, dark nature, foreshadowing Heathcliff's contempt for the boy.
What is Nelly's private fear about Linton at the end of the chapter?
She doubts they can keep him at the Grange and worries about how such a weakling will survive at Wuthering Heights between Heathcliff and Hareton.
What dramatic irony is present in Catherine's black mourning dress?
Catherine wears mourning for Aunt Isabella yet feels no real sorrow—only joy at her father's return and excitement about meeting her cousin. The mourning dress contrasts with her happiness.
How does Edgar's warning to Catherine about Linton foreshadow later events?
Edgar tells Catherine that Linton is not strong or merry and must be treated gently. This foreshadows Linton's lifelong frailty and eventual decline, as well as Catherine's complicated relationship with him.
What does Joseph's intrusion represent thematically?
Joseph's nighttime arrival represents the long reach of Wuthering Heights into the peace of Thrushcross Grange, and Heathcliff's ability to intrude upon and disrupt the Lintons' domestic sanctuary.