Hindley Earnshaw's Downfall

Chronicles Hindley's transformation from a jealous boy to a tyrannical master, and his eventual self-destruction through drink and gambling.

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Jealousy and Resentment

The Displaced Heir A Father's Favoritism Hindley, the only son, feels his position threatened when his father brings home Heathcliff. Old Earnshaw's obvious preference for the foundling breeds deep resentment. Hindley is sent to college, partly to remove him from the conflict. Return as Master After his father's death, Hindley returns with a wife, Frances. He immediately demotes Heathcliff to a servant and forbids Catherine from associating with him. His tyranny is fueled by his own insecurity and his wife's influence. The Seeds of Destruction Hindley's harshness drives Heathcliff and Catherine closer together. His cruelty to Heathcliff is relentless, but it only hardens the boy's resolve for revenge. Hindley's own character begins to coarsen.

Frances's Death and Descent

The Breaking Point A Son Is Born Frances gives birth to a son, Hareton, but dies shortly after. Hindley is devastated. He refuses to accept her death, insisting she will recover. When she dies, he becomes desperate, cursing God and man. Reckless Dissipation Hindley gives himself up to drink and gambling. He neglects his son and terrorizes the household. The servants leave; only Joseph and Nelly remain. He becomes a byword for brutality and excess. A Dangerous Father Hindley's drunken rages endanger Hareton. In one scene, he dangles the child over the banister. Heathcliff catches the boy, but Hindley's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent.

Heathcliff's Return and Ruin

The Tables Turned A Welcome Guest When Heathcliff returns, Hindley welcomes him, seeing a drinking and gambling companion. He does not realize that Heathcliff is systematically ruining him. Heathcliff lends him money and wins his property at cards. The Mortgage Hindley mortgages every yard of his land to Heathcliff. He becomes a tenant in his own house. His addiction to drink and gambling makes him easy prey. Heathcliff's revenge is complete. Death in Debt Hindley dies, drunk, at twenty-seven. He is found dead on the settle. Heathcliff shows no remorse, only satisfaction. Hareton is left a beggar, dependent on his father's enemy. Hindley's downfall is a cautionary tale of unchecked passion and weakness.

1771-1773

1778

1783-1784