Isabella Linton's Fatal Infatuation

Follows Isabella's romantic delusion about Heathcliff, her disastrous marriage, and her eventual escape and death.

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Falling for the Villain

A Foolish Heart The Attraction Isabella, Edgar's eighteen-year-old sister, becomes infatuated with Heathcliff despite his obvious disdain. She sees him as a romantic hero, ignoring Catherine's warnings that he is a "fierce, pitiless, wolfish man." Catherine's Warnings Catherine tries to dissuade Isabella, telling her that Heathcliff would crush her like a sparrow's egg. But Isabella is stubborn, believing she can reform him. She accuses Catherine of jealousy. The Elopement When Edgar banishes Heathcliff from the Grange, Heathcliff elopes with Isabella. She believes she is escaping to a new life, but she is walking into a trap. The marriage is a sham from the start.

Life at Wuthering Heights

A Living Hell The Honeymoon's End Isabella arrives at Wuthering Heights to find a filthy, neglected house. She is greeted by a cursing child (Hareton) and a hostile servant (Joseph). Heathcliff treats her with contempt, hanging her dog and refusing her any comfort. Cruelty and Isolation Heathcliff tells Isabella he married her only to gain power over Edgar. He torments her psychologically and physically. She becomes a virtual prisoner, with no allies. Hindley is too drunk to care, and the servants are hostile. Desperate Letters Isabella writes to Nelly, describing her misery. She asks if Heathcliff is a man or a devil. She begs for help but refuses to return to Edgar, knowing she has disgraced herself. Her pride keeps her trapped.

Escape and Afterlife

Flight to Freedom The Violent Break After a violent confrontation where Heathcliff attacks Hindley, Isabella seizes her chance. She flees across the moors in a storm, bleeding from a wound. She reaches Thrushcross Grange and begs for shelter. Reconciliation Refused Edgar refuses to see her, but Nelly helps her. Isabella leaves the neighbourhood, settling in the south near London. She gives birth to a son, Linton, but dies when he is twelve. Legacy Isabella's son becomes a tool in Heathcliff's hands. Her brief, unhappy marriage serves as a warning against romantic delusion. She is a victim of Heathcliff's revenge and her own foolishness.

1783

1783-1784

1784