Edgar Linton

"He had a sweet, low manner of speaking, and pronounced his words as you do: that's less gruff than we talk here, and softer."

- Chapter 8

Edgar Linton is a major character in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Linton, the brother of Isabella Linton, the husband of Catherine Earnshaw and the father of Cathy Linton.

He is a wealthy, aristocratic man who falls in love and marries Catherine, but remains an opposer towards Heathcliff, and ends up falling into Heathcliff's clutches of revenge.

Description
The complete opposite of Heathcliff, Edgar is a more good-mannered and noble man. His lifestyle and family life serves as a good influence on Catherine Earnshaw, and wears a heart on his sleeve to show off his feelings towards his love for Catherine and dislike for Heathcliff. Having lived most of his life in aristocratic nobility, Edgar didn't have much to worry about prior to meeting Catherine and Heathcliff, and once he marries his wife and his troubled brother-in-law came back into their lives, he has a hard time trying to protect his family and home from Heathcliff's ambitions of revenge.

He may be a suitable love interest, but is also the weakest in the love triangle. He fails to have the strength to keep his wife safe and ends up losing everything he had held dear. If Heathcliff had not returned, Edgar and Catherine's marriage would have been happy and successful. He was meant to offer her a proper and noble lifestyle in an ornate lavish home, but ends up succumbing not only to illness, but of being a victim to Catherine's selfishness and Heathcliff's brutality.

He represents the upper social class of 18th-century England as his wealthy upbringing makes him more respectable and proper to society and to Catherine. He often took pleasure in his nobility as he believed he could win his love over him and make her a more noble lady like his mother and sister. So much so, they he may had even tried to introduce his other family members to his world, such as when he took his nephew in, thinking he could provide him a safe place to live and make him a healthy gentleman. But it is evident that this cannot be the case when Heathcliff wants his son as part of his plan as vengeance towards Edgar and his aristocracy.

Relationship/Marriage to Catherine Earnshaw
Edgar Linton was born at Yorkshire, England in 1762, the first child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Linton. His younger sister, Isabella, was born 3 years later, and he grew up at his family's estate Thrushcross Grange.

When Edgar is around 15 years old, he and his sister were arguing over a puppy of theirs inside their home. At the same time, a Gypsy-boy and a wild young girl were watching them through the window and laughing at them. Edgar spots them and he and Isabella quickly went to alarm their parents. Later, after the young girl named Catherine Earnshaw was bitten by the Linton's dog Skulker, she was taken into the house to be looked after. Edgar may have met her and gets to know her while she recovers and pampered to be a noble lady.

A few weeks after Catherine comes home to her residence at Wuthering Heights, which is located 4 miles away from the Grange, Edgar and his family were invited over to the Heights for a Christmas party hosted by the Earnshaw's. During the party, Edgar belittles the gypsy-like boy Heathcliff's filthy appearance, and he gets hot applesauce thrown at his face by Heathcliff. While Edgar cries and the Heights servant Nelly Dean wipes the sauce off his face, he was scolded by Catherine for talking to Heathcliff when he was in a bad mood.

A few months after Catherine met the Linton's, she and Edgar become more close and he spends more time with her. One day, he and Isabella come over to the Heights to visit Catherine, and when he arrives, his friend gets frustrated when her servant Nelly won't leave her alone. She starts hurting Nelly and her baby nephew Hareton and when Edgar steps in to stop her, he gets hit by her. He is shocked of her wild behaviour and he prepares to leave. Catherine begs him not to go and he doesn't want to come back to the Heights again. But he returns after she convinces him to, and when they were alone in a room, they make their love confessions. Edgar later proposes marriage to Catherine, and she accepts.

3 years later, Edgar marries Catherine and they move to Thrushcross Grange. Their married life goes well until 6 months after their wedding, Heathcliff, who had been absent for the past 3 years, returns as a wealthy gentleman. While Catherine is outside to see her former soulmate, Edgar is informed by Nelly who the visitor really is, and when his wife comes back, he scolds her for letting an inappropriate guest like Heathcliff into the parlour of his home. But seeing how happy she is, he tells her to try to be happy without acting foolish.

Feud with Heathcliff/Catherine's Death
Edgar, Catherine and Heathcliff have a conversation, with Heathcliff saying he had come to catch a glimpse on his former love and then have his revenge on Hindley. Edgar, already uncomfortable with the meeting, interrupts that their tea is getting cold the longer Heathcliff stays.

A few days later, Edgar finds out his sister Isabella is in love with Heathcliff when Nelly informs him of a heated confrontation between Catherine and the man she used to love. He arrives and demands Heathcliff to leave, and when he refuses, Edgar summons a group of servants to remove his unwelcome guest from his home. He and Heathcliff are then locked in the kitchen by Catherine for them to confront each other alone.

Edgar at first covers his face in fear, but after being taunted by his wife, he ends up punching his opponent in the neck before running into the garden to get the servants. After Heathcliff retreats, Edgar angrily demands Catherine she must choose between him and Heathcliff. She doesn't talk to him and instead locks herself up for a few days, while Edgar threatens to disown Isabella if she still stays with Heathcliff.

When he does check up on his wife in her room, Edgar is shocked at her frail and frenzied condition. Catherine tells him that she will be dead by spring, and he wants to know if her love for Heathcliff is causing her to be sick. He was told by her that she doesn't want him and she would be dead before he could try to help her. He blames Catherine's illness on Nelly for not telling him about it and threatens to dismiss her if she tries to talk to him again, since he is still angry at her for her involvement that caused the confrontation.

A doctor is brought in to check on Catherine, and thinks she will recover. Later that night, Edgar discovers that Isabella has eloped with Heathcliff. He refuses to try and go after his sister after Nelly informs him of her running off with him. He states that he now knows Isabella only by her name, and she had disowned him instead of herself.

For the next two months, Edgar helps Nelly look after Catherine, who improves a bit but never makes a full recovery. When he finds out his wife is pregnant, he hopes the child will be male and an heir to Thrushcross Grange instead of Isabella and Heathcliff. 6 weeks later, Edgar receives a letter from Isabella begging for his forgiveness, but he does not write back. When Nelly is going to the Heights to see Isabella, Edgar refuses to send her a token of forgiveness to his now disgraced sister.

Edgar leaves for church 4 days later, while Catherine laid on her deathbed and having an emotional reunion with Heathcliff. After he returns and goes into his wife's room, Heathcliff catches Catherine from her bed and places her in her husband's arms. Heathcliff tells Edgar it is more important for him to take care of her than being angry at him before he leaves.

Catherine dies from premature labour after giving birth to a daughter named Cathy later that night. Edgar goes into mourning, as well as being disappointed he doesn't have a male heir. He watches over his wife's body through the whole day and night, until exhaustion wins him over and while he rests, Heathcliff takes his place. Edgar's lock of hair was replaced with Heathcliff's in Catherine's locket, that were twined together by Nelly. Catherine's funeral is held, and instead of placing her in the Linton family crypt, Edgar instead has her buried in a corner of a small churchyard looking over the moors.

Raising Cathy and Bringing Linton to Yorkshire
Despite his child being a female and ignored at birth, Edgar raises Cathy himself and assigns Nelly to be his daughter's guardian. 13 years pass, and Cathy grows into a lively, pretty young girl. Edgar doesn't let her leave the Grange unless accompanied by Nelly and forbids her from going near the Heights. At one point, Cathy takes an interest in seeing the cliffs at Penistone Crags and wants her father to take her there. He refuses, since going there would take them past the Heights.

Sometime afterwards, Edgar receives a letter from Isabella, who is living in London with her son Linton Heathcliff after leaving her husband and is dying from failing health. He leaves Yorkshire for 3 weeks and travels to London where he visits his sister one final time and entrusting his nephew into his care. After Isabella's death, Edgar brings Linton back to the Grange. The boy is similarly resembled to his uncle, but is physically weak and peevish. After Linton is taken into the house and looked after by Cathy, Edgar tells Nelly he hopes that if his nephew is able to stay at the Grange, he would become healthier and stronger, and even be a suitable playmate for Cathy since they are the same age. That night, Joseph from the Heights comes over and informs his master Heathcliff wants his son. Edgar would bring his nephew over tomorrow, but has Nelly take Linton to his father instead. The next morning, he and Nelly coax him to get ready so he can be escorted there.

3 years later, Edgar was confronted by Cathy after her visit to Linton at the Heights. She wants to know why he has kept her relatives at the nearby house a secret from her, and he carefully tries to explain everything to her. While she doesn't understand, he manages to tell her about his difficult relationship with Heathcliff and wants her to not have any more contact with Linton. She secretly corresponds with her cousin until Nelly puts an end to it.

Edgar falls ill later that year and has his daughter spend more time with Nelly. Throughout most of the day, Cathy looks after him but by night, she secretly visits Linton at the Heights. After he is informed everything by Nelly of Cathy sneaking out and going to the Heights, he forbids her from going to the Heights again, but would allow Linton to see her at the Grange instead.

Failing Health and Death
Cathy obeys her father's wishes but as time went by, Edgar's health starts to fail and is soon on the brink of death. Linton cannot come to the Grange as he is too weak, but his uncle kept on receiving letters from him, pressuring him to let him marry Cathy. He eventually gives in, knowing his daughter's happiness is more important to her and he would let her marry her cousin if she really wants to. Despite this, Edgar knew this would mean Heathcliff would surely inherit his house.

As his illness worsens, Edgar agrees to let Cathy see Linton on the moors instead of the Heights. He allows Nelly to accompany Cathy weekly during those visits, and despite his daughter not wanting to leave him alone, he still convinces her to go to her cousin. He has no idea that his nephew is much closer to death than he is himself.

As Edgar laid on his deathbed, Cathy and Nelly were held hostage by Heathcliff until Linton marries Cathy. 5 days later, Nelly arrives at the Grange and he is informed that his daughter is safe and will return home shortly. A group of servants were sent to fetch Cathy, but they return without her. At the same time, he consults for his lawyer Mr. Green, and in order to protect his daughter's inheritance from Heathcliff, he has the will changed and the money placed in the care of trustees. Unaware his nephew is dying, Edgar only made slight changes to the will. The Grange would now be given to any of Cathy's male children she has.

Sometime afterwards, Cathy escapes from the Heights with her now husband Linton's help and shows up in her father's room. Edgar is overjoyed to see his daughter again and he passes away quietly with Cathy at his side, believing she is happily married to her cousin. He is laid to rest next to his wife Catherine Earnshaw in the same graveyard.

Personality/Appearance
Edgar is a loving, caring and patient young man. He originally grew up a spoiled, peevish child, but as an adult, he is more doting and loyal to his family and to others closest to him, mostly to Catherine. He is friendly towards her after meeting her for the first time and despite her temper, he is usually calm to those who can easily irritate him. Even if he is angry, he doesn't lash out easily, although he had done this one time when he punched Heathcliff when he was forced to fend him off alone. His good-mannered, civilized and noble lifestyle were an interest by Catherine, as they would be a good influence on her in society. During the first few months of their marriage, Edgar had been more happy and loving towards his wife as she took part in his aristocratic lifestyle. He is also a devoted father when raising his only child Cathy. Unlike Heathcliff, Edgar's love to his wife and daughter is more gentle and passionate than restless and intense. Like his sister Isabella, he is naïve and unaware of the harsh dangers and brutalities of his neighbours at Wuthering Heights, and remains to be stronger despite him being fragile.

Besides his good-hearted nature, Edgar can easily be very unforgiving to those he thinks had betrayed him. He could hardly forgive his wife from being in love with Heathcliff and possibly never forgave Isabella from marrying his enemy and being stripped of her nobility. In addition, he can never forgive Heathcliff for the way he had treated his loved ones and taking over his home. While he is a beloved father to Cathy, he can be strict with her when he makes her not to go near the Heights, and is very firm about it. He trusts Nelly into being a caregiver and guardian to his daughter, and could easily fire her if she fails to keep Cathy safe. This is mainly that Edgar, now having been exposed to Heathcliff's cruelty, would do anything to protect his daughter and his home. He is also protective to his nephew Linton and hopes that when he lives at the Grange, he would be safe and healthier.

His weakness makes him afraid of Heathcliff wanting to come after his wife, sister, daughter and nephew. He cannot confront his enemies on his own, such as when he attempts to have Heathcliff leave, he calls in his reinforcements of servants to remove him themselves, since he lacks the courage to kick him out himself. When facing him off alone, Edgar cowers against his opponent and bothered by Catherine taunting him. He only manages to meekly punch Heathcliff before fleeing. He can also be fearful of his wife's anger and arrogance. Edgar is also easily hurt and gullible. His wife is so selfish to not being supportive to his fear for her troubled true love and after being pressured by Linton to marry Cathy, he ends up giving up being fiercely protective to his daughter and allowing her to be closely interactive with the Heights.

Edgar is seen as a handsome, well-bred gentleman with fair skin, bright hair and blue eyes. He also typically wears aristocratic clothing associated with his wealth and nobility.

Relationships
Catherine Earnshaw- Edgar's wife. He loves and cares for her deeply, and offers her his hand in marriage as a way to introduce her to his higher social class and be part of his aristocracy. Until Heathcliff returns, their married life was blissful and successful. Even if he adores his wife, he is not used to her ill-tempered attitude and selfish personality, which would make him question his morals about her. After she becomes pregnant with their child, Edgar had wanted to have a son to carry on his family name and home. He ends up mourning her death with grief after her death from failing health and childbirth.

Cathy Linton- Edgar's daughter. He is a doting, loving father to her as he raises him alone after the death of her mother. He is also very protective of her and forbids her from leaving the Grange and going to the Heights, as well as keeping the Heights' troubled family history a secret from her. He is only doing it to keep Cathy safe but deep down, he clearly understands how important her happiness can be when she is wanted to be married by her cousin and ends up allowing her to pursue what she really wants.

Isabella Linton- Edgar's younger sister. He and Isabella grew up a spoiled, rich lifestyle by their parents, often arguing over different presents they received. Like his daughter, Edgar is also very protective towards Isabella, and becomes suspicious when she starts having affectionate feelings for Heathcliff. He is so irritated at this, he threatens to disown her and when she does marry Heathcliff, he has a hard time accepting her apology. However, he still cares about her child and retrieving him in his care.

Heathcliff- Edgar's brother-in-law and enemy. He sees him as a danger to his family home and to his loved ones. He is disapproved when Heathcliff comes back into Catherine's life and doesn't feel comfortable with his presence in his house. He cannot forgive his opposer's cruelty to his family and his plans of revenge. Despite his resentment to Heathcliff, Edgar eventually gives up his feud against him as it would only bring more misery to others.

Linton Heathcliff- Edgar's nephew. After his sister's death, Edgar is more sympathetic towards Linton's suffering and his pain of recently losing his mother. He brings him back home to Yorkshire, and thinks he would raise him along Cathy and grow up to be a proper, mature man. But he instead lets his nephew being placed in his father's care and accepting Linton's demands to have Cathy marry him.

Nelly Dean- Edgar's servant. He sees her as being loyal and trusting to him and Catherine after she moves in following their marriage, and even entrusting her to be a surrogate mother and caregiver to Cathy. He also made it clear to have Nelly follow his rules and not go anywhere near the Heights, as he would easily dismiss or fire her if she reluctantly disobeys him.

Mr and Mrs. Linton- Edgar's parents. Very little is known of his interaction towards them, although they had pampered him and his sister to be spoiled and snobbish as children. They both died after contracting a fever while nursing Catherine.