Hindley Earnshaw
(1757–1784)

Biographical

Hindley was born before September 1757 to Mr and Mrs Earnshaw. He harbours an intense hatred of Heathcliff who has usurped his father's affection to become his favourite over him. He subjects Heathcliff to bullying and abuse as a child until he is sent to college in October 1774. He marries Frances before mid-September 1777, and returns to Wuthering Heights after his father's death in October that year. Now, as master of the Heights, he exacts his revenge on Heathcliff and relegates him to the status of servant and labourer, and subjects him to relentless cruelty. His son, Hareton, is born in 1778. After his wife's death, his grief begins his deterioration, driving him to gambling and drunkenness. Seeking his revenge, Heathcliff encourages his drinking, taking advantage of the desperate and debt-ridden Hindley, and soon obtains the mortgage to the Heights. Hindley dies in September 1784 and, triumphantly, Heathcliff becomes master of the Heights. Joseph believes Heathcliff hastened his death. On announcing Hindley's death to Nelly, Mr Kenneth declares that he 'died true to his character: drunk as a lord'.

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