Heathcliff’s return to the story is a key moment in Wuthering Heights that affects many characters in the novel. When Heathcliff first returns, Nelly immediately recognizes his eyes. Heathcliff is described as having “eyes full of black fire” (75) which are symbolic for his mysterious and dark personality. Even though Heathcliff appears to have become a well-mannered gentleman, his eyes show that he has not changed. As a result, Nelly mistrusts Heathcliff and thinks that he will cause problems at the Grange and Heights. Nelly is reluctant to inform Catherine of Heathcliff’s return because she doesn’t want her to get hurt by him again. When Heathcliff asks Nelly to see Catherine, Nelly says “How will she take it? … What will she do? … it will put her out of her head” (73). I think Nelly realizes that Catherine is emotionally vulnerable and does not want Heathcliff to create problems in her life.
I believe one reason Heathcliff returned to the Heights was to get revenge on Edgar Linton. Before Heathcliff left 3 years ago, Edgar oppressed Heathcliff and treated him like a servant. Edgar’s attitudes about Heathcliff have not changed as Linton calls him a “gypsy” (74) and a “runaway servant” (75) and suggests that the kitchen would be a more suitable place for him than the parlor (75). With Heathcliff’s new appearance and wealth, he is tired of being treated like an outsider and wants to prove his superiority to Edgar. When Heathcliff shakes hands with Edgar he drops Edgar’s hand and does not speak to him until he chooses to. Heathcliff is not only wealthy now but he is more masculine than Edgar. Nelly describes Heathcliff as a “tall, athletic, well-formed man” wher...
