Wuthering Heights
Summer Reading Assignment
After reading the novel, answer the following questions and define the vocabulary words. If
you want, you may discuss the novel with other students and/or read about the novel on-line,
but DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. All answers must be typed. Begin each question on a new sheet of
paper. Do not type on the back of the paper. Include a cover sheet with your name and the
date centered in the middle of the page. Staple all pages together at the upper left corner.
1. Is Nelly Dean a good and loyal servant or is she manipulative and scheming? Describe
events that would support both positions. Be sure to use a quotation for each event
and note the page number on which the quote was found. Complete a T-chart like the
one below.
Good and loyal servant
manipulative and scheming
2. List all the “love” relationships in the novel. What motivates each relationship? In
other words, what is one person attracted to in the other person? Include a quote
illustrating this relationship. Give the page number on which the quote is found.
3. Address one of the following writing prompts.
a. Continue the conversation between Heathcliff and Catherine (after Nelly has left
the room) on the afternoon of their quarrel.
b. Create the conversation between Isabella and Heathcliff in the garden on the
day they eloped.
c. Create the conversation between Isabella and Linton when he comes to her
bedside hear the end of her life.
d. Create the interior conversation Heathcliff has with himself on the night he
steals into the parlor to hold the dead Catherine’s body in his arms.
4. Theme is an underlying message about life or human nature. Write a statement of the
theme for each of the general theme topics given below. In other words what do you
think Emily Bronte is saying about each topic through the novel? Then write three
quotations that support your theme statement. Introduce the quotation by explaining
who is speaking, to whom, and in what circumstance. Use quotation marks and give the
page number where you found the quote.
a. Family history and relationships or sibling rivalry
b. Romantic or ill-fated love
c. Revenge
5. Describe each of the following characters’ physical appearance and personality. Give a
quote from the novel that supports the character’s physical appearance and a quote
that supports the description of the character’s personality. Remember to follow the
quotes with the appropriate page numbers.
a. Heathcliff
b. Catherine
c. Edgar Linton
d. Cathy
6. Symbolism:
a. Explain how Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange are used a symbols.
Include quotations.
b. Explain three examples of symbolism in weather or nature. Again include the
quotations and then give your explanation. Remember to cite the page number.
7. Research the gothic novel. List four characteristics of this genre. Discuss how
Wuthering Heights is an example of the genre.
8. On a piece of 8 ½ X 11 inch paper, create a collage that represents the novel. Include
one quotation from the novel that you feel reflects the main point of the novel. Be
prepared to share your collage with the class and explain your choice of images.
9. Define each of the following words and identify the part of speech. You will be tested
over these words sometime during the second week of school. You should be able to
spell the word, define it, give the part of speech, and use the word in a sentence.
Indulged
protracted
Sagacity
allayed
Culpable
enigmatical
Antipathy
obdurate
Expostulating
usurped
Querulous
paragon
Dour
incarnate
Petulantly
avarice
Incipient
tacit
Trepidation
equanimity
Accede
malignity
Indolence
credulity
Incorporeal