However, self-serving acts also provide many benefits that a selfless life could not supply. Many characters turn to reading in times where other pleasures are inaccessible. When Lockwood visits The Heights, he observes Catherine Linton “reading a book… seem[ing] absorbed in her occupation” (27; ch.3). At this moment, Catherine Linton leads a tragic life, held captive in the Heathcliff residence. Stuck in a situation without pleasant company, Catherine Linton relies in books as her only source of entertainment. Through reading, she can distract herself with a different and happier world. Catherine Linton still enjoys her own pursuits, demonstrating that self-indulgence provides a beneficial alternative in difficult times. Isabella Linton reacts
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Characters such as Heathcliff and Hareton are deprived of books and education when their superiors want to lower their social standings within the community. After Mr. Earnshaw’s death, the “continual hard work” that Hindley forces upon Heathcliff “extinguish[es]... any love for books or learning” (63; ch.8). Hindley treats Heathcliff as a servant, which causes him to behave accordingly. Servants lack any selfish desires such as education or pleasure because they must abide by the laws of their superiors. Heathcliff places the same treatment upon Hareton to destroy Hareton’s claim to The Heights. Without education or books, people lack the intelligence to exert their own will, diminishing their power over others. One servant, Nelly, does not abide by typical servile expectations. Nelly is very influential throughout the novel and holds an unusual amount of power over other characters. She knows everything about her masters and often counsels them in their decisions. Because of her strong influence, it makes sense that Lockwood “could not open a book… that [Nelly has] not looked into” (58; ch.7). Nelly may be a servant, but she possess a large amount of power over the other characters in the novel due to intrusiveness and her intelligence acquired by reading. A different servant in the novel accepts books as currency when he agrees to assist Catherine Linton. This servant “is fond of reading, and he thinks of leaving soon to get married” (232; ch.24). Money might help this man buy food, but, by reading and educating himself, the servant can improve his working skills and therefore his social status. Receiving books is a self serving act that will enable the servant to be personally better off in society. By looking out for his own interests, unlike the uneducated Hareton and young Heathcliff, this servant is able to achieve his desires. Similarly,
Characters such as Heathcliff and Hareton are deprived of books and education when their superiors want to lower their social standings within the community. After Mr. Earnshaw’s death, the “continual hard work” that Hindley forces upon Heathcliff “extinguish[es]... any love for books or learning” (63; ch.8). Hindley treats Heathcliff as a servant, which causes him to behave accordingly. Servants lack any selfish desires such as education or pleasure because they must abide by the laws of their superiors. Heathcliff places the same treatment upon Hareton to destroy Hareton’s claim to The Heights. Without education or books, people lack the intelligence to exert their own will, diminishing their power over others. One servant, Nelly, does not abide by typical servile expectations. Nelly is very influential throughout the novel and holds an unusual amount of power over other characters. She knows everything about her masters and often counsels them in their decisions. Because of her strong influence, it makes sense that Lockwood “could not open a book… that [Nelly has] not looked into” (58; ch.7). Nelly may be a servant, but she possess a large amount of power over the other characters in the novel due to intrusiveness and her intelligence acquired by reading. A different servant in the novel accepts books as currency when he agrees to assist Catherine Linton. This servant “is fond of reading, and he thinks of leaving soon to get married” (232; ch.24). Money might help this man buy food, but, by reading and educating himself, the servant can improve his working skills and therefore his social status. Receiving books is a self serving act that will enable the servant to be personally better off in society. By looking out for his own interests, unlike the uneducated Hareton and young Heathcliff, this servant is able to achieve his desires. Similarly,