m to a level of ignorance and uselessness. Hareton never rebels against Heathcliff, but his contact with Catherine, makes him extremely aware of this weakness. We can look at the true value of book-learning in the novel, and notice that Linton, who can read, is obviously inferior to his more energetic cousin Hareton. This might lead one to think that Bront is supporting natural energy over imposed improvement. However, for Catherine and Hareton to become close it is absolutely necessary for Hareton to wish to educate himself, and in the last chapter their love is symbolized in the united reading of a book. Similarly, Heathcliff's youthful degradation really takes place when he ceases to follow Catherine's lessons. It appears that book-learning is not enough to make a person good, but that the lack of it is enough to make someone ridiculous. It is, in short, an essential quality. Lockwood went to Wuthering Heights to see Heathcliff and tell him he didn't want to stay at the Grange any longer. He noticed that Hareton was "as handsome a rustic as need be seen." He gave Catherine a note from Ellen; she thought it was from him at first and when he made it clear that it wasn't, Hareton snatched it away, saying that Heathcliff should look at it first (he wasn't home yet). Catherine tried to hide her tears, but Hareton noticed and let the letter drop beside her seat....
