The Double: Catherine and Heathcliff as Soulmates

Explores the theme of the double, where Catherine and Heathcliff are portrayed as two halves of the same soul.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Declaration

I Am Heathcliff The Confession Catherine tells Nelly, "I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind." She feels that their souls are identical. This is the core of their bond. The Eternal Rocks Catherine says her love for Heathcliff is like the eternal rocks beneath, while her love for Edgar is like the foliage. Heathcliff is part of her very being. The Separation Despite this, Catherine marries Edgar. She tries to separate herself from Heathcliff, but she cannot. Her identity is tied to his.

The Haunting

The Inseparable Pair The Ghost After Catherine's death, Heathcliff is haunted by her. He feels her presence constantly. She is part of him even in death. The Reunion Heathcliff starves himself to join Catherine. He believes they will be together in death. They are buried side by side. The Legend The country folk claim to see their ghosts walking together. They are forever united. The theme of the double is fulfilled: they are one soul.

1783

1784-1802