Plot Summary
Around midnight, Catherine Linton gives birth to a premature daughter — the second Catherine, later known as Cathy — and dies two hours later without ever regaining consciousness. She never knows that Edgar is at her side, nor does she realize Heathcliff is absent. The baby, a "puny, seven-months' child," is initially neglected in the chaos of her mother's death. Nelly Dean privately laments that the child is a girl, since without a male heir, the Linton estate will pass to Edgar's sister Isabella — and by extension, to Heathcliff.
Catherine's Death and Its Aftermath
The following morning, Nelly gazes at Catherine's body and finds a remarkable peace in her expression. Edgar lies beside her, exhausted by grief. Nelly reflects on the serenity of death and observes that Catherine's face wears the look of a smile, appearing more beautiful than any angel. She notes the selfishness embedded even in Edgar's devoted love — he mourns his own loss rather than rejoicing in Catherine's release from her tormented life.
Heathcliff's Grief
Nelly ventures outside at sunrise to find Heathcliff, who has been standing beneath an ash tree all night, so still that birds have been building a nest near him. He already knows Catherine is dead. When Nelly confirms the news and describes Catherine's peaceful passing, Heathcliff erupts into one of the novel's most powerful speeches. He curses Catherine for dying and begs her spirit to haunt him rather than leave him alone: "Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living... Be with me always — take any form — drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!" He dashes his head against the tree trunk, howling like a wounded animal, and drives Nelly away.
The Locket and the Burial
Catherine's body lies in the drawing room until Friday, watched over constantly by Edgar. Heathcliff keeps vigil outside, equally sleepless. On Tuesday night, Nelly opens a window to let Heathcliff in for a final farewell. He secretly replaces Edgar's lock of hair in Catherine's locket with his own dark curl. Nelly discovers the switch and twists both locks of hair together, enclosing them in the locket — a quiet act of fairness from the woman who has watched over both men's grief.
Catherine is buried not in the Linton family chapel nor among the Earnshaw graves, but on a green slope in the corner of the churchyard where the wall is low enough for moor plants to climb over it. This liminal resting place — between the civilized world and the wild moors — perfectly reflects Catherine's own divided nature. Edgar will eventually be buried beside her in the same spot.