Mr. Earnshaw

*Wuthering Heights* (2011)

Paul Hilton (2011)

Joseph (servant)

Mrs. Earnshaw (formerly)

### Goal

To offer love and affection to his adopted son Heathcliff and make him a family member
To have Hindley send off to college and let Catherine and Heathcliff grow closer (both succeeded)

### Fate

Passes away from failing health in his later years

> "*He took to Heathcliff strangely, believing all he said (for that matter, he said precious little, and generally the truth), and petting him up far above Cathy, who was too mischievous and wayward for a favourite.*"
> ― Chapter 4
>
>

Mr. Earnshaw is a minor character in Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights*. He is the husband of Mrs. Earnshaw, the father of Hindley and Catherine Earnshaw, and the adoptive father of Heathcliff.

Mr. Earnshaw brings the orphan Heathcliff into his home to raise as one of his children, and continues to love and care for him until his death.

## Description

Mr. Earnshaw is the patriarch of the Earnshaw family and the original owner of Wuthering Heights. He was also the one character that had started the chaos and mystery of the Heights, when he brings home the orphaned Heathcliff from his trip to Liverpool.

He is unaware about Heathcliff's future or his behaviour, as he took in him as his own and offers him affectionate love, even ignoring his wife's pleas that the gypsy boy shouldn't be in the family. Even in death, he becomes distant from his children and spends his time alone during his final days, leaving his beloved child Heathcliff on his own to endure abuse and become ruthless later in life.

## Personality/Appearance

Mr. Earnshaw is a kind and doting father, but mostly to Heathcliff. He was sympathetic when he found the gypsy boy on the street during his business trip, and instead of letting him suffer, decides to take him back to his home in Yorkshire. When his wife despises Heathcliff, Mr. Earnshaw openly defends him of who he is and takes him in. He offers the boy love and affection, and to make him happy at Wuthering Heights.

He is also fairly strict, since he reprimands his daughter Catherine for getting into too much mischief and wants most of his time alone during the last days of his life. He also didn't like the way his son Hindley was treating Heathcliff so he had him sent off to college to make his adoptive son feel more secure at home.

## Relationships

Heathcliff- Mr. Earnshaw's adoptive son. After discovering him wandering alone on the streets of Liverpool during a business trip, he takes pity for him. He adopts him and loves him more than his children.

Catherine Earnshaw- Mr. Earnshaw's daughter. He would scold her for ending up into trouble, but she still loves and adores her father.

Hindley Earnshaw- Mr. Earnshaw's son. He doesn't like the treatment his son gives to Heathcliff, so he has him sent away from home.

Mrs. Earnshaw- Mr. Earnshaw's wife. He ignores his wife's demands to keep Heathcliff out of their home, and he loses her about two years later.

Nelly Dean- A servant raised in the household. Mr. Earnshaw sometimes acts like a father-figure to her.

Joseph- Mr. Earnshaw's longtime servant, who keeps him entertained and consoled before his death.