Chapter XX Practice Quiz — Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter XX
Why does Mr. Edgar Linton have Nelly deliver Linton Heathcliff to Wuthering Heights so early in the morning?
To prevent Catherine from learning where Linton has gone. Edgar wants to sever the connection between the two children and keep Catherine from wanting to visit the Heights.
What does Linton say when Nelly tells him he is going to live with his father?
"My father! Mamma never told me I had a father." He is completely bewildered because Isabella never mentioned Heathcliff to him.
What false promises does Nelly make to coax Linton onto the journey?
She promises that his absence will be short and that Mr. Edgar and Cathy will visit him—promises she herself admits are "equally ill-founded."
How does Heathcliff refer to Linton when Nelly arrives at Wuthering Heights?
He calls Linton his "property" and says he feared he would have to "come down and fetch" it himself, dehumanizing his own son.
What is Joseph’s reaction when he first sees Linton?
Joseph says "Sure-ly he’s swopped wi’ ye, Maister, an’ yon’s his lass!"—suggesting the pale, delicate child looks more like a girl than Heathcliff’s son.
Why does Heathcliff say he will keep Linton alive and well cared for?
Because Linton is the prospective legal heir to Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff wants his descendant to become lord of the Linton and Earnshaw estates as part of his revenge.
What provisions has Heathcliff made for Linton at Wuthering Heights?
He has furnished a room in handsome style, hired a tutor to come three times a week, and ordered Hareton to obey Linton—all to preserve the boy’s gentlemanly status.
How does Chapter 20 parallel the earlier arrival of Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights?
Both involve a child being brought to Wuthering Heights, but with key inversions: Heathcliff was tough and dark, while Linton is frail and fair; Mr. Earnshaw received Heathcliff with affection, while Heathcliff receives Linton with contempt.
What does Heathcliff say about his feelings toward Linton?
He says he despises Linton for himself and hates him for the memories he revives (of Isabella), but will endure the boy because of Linton’s value as heir to Thrushcross Grange.
What food does Linton refuse at Wuthering Heights, and why is this significant?
He refuses milk-porridge—the same food Hareton ate as a child. This highlights the class contrast between the refined Linton (associated with Thrushcross Grange) and the hardy residents of the Heights.
What are the last words Nelly hears as she leaves Wuthering Heights?
"Don’t leave me! I’ll not stay here! I’ll not stay here!"—Linton’s desperate cries as the door is locked behind him.
What does Nelly describe as Linton’s physical appearance?
White complexion, slim frame, thick flaxen curls, large languid blue eyes—his mother Isabella’s eyes, with none of Heathcliff’s dark, powerful features.