in response to the deprivation of his childhood. Heathcliff received constant reminder of his lesser status e.g. on his first visit to the Grange, Catherine is taken into the Linton household, whereas Heathcliff is rejected, made fun of, and alienated. Later, when Catherine returns to Wuthering Heights, her changed appearance further alienates Heathcliff, a point emphasized during the visits of the Linton children, Heathcliff was not considered fit to join the party. The final sense of alienation and the most damning occurs with Catherine's marriage to Edgar, this he considers a betrayal of his love for her, in favor of the social status and civilized existence of the Grange. Heathcliff is however proud and determined and does not cower when confronted by those who consider themselves to be superiors, his determination was evident when taking advantage of Mr. Earnshaw's favoritism and exchanging horses with young Hindley, though his situation and position is somewhat worsened after the death of Mr. Earnshaw, Heathcliff's pride nevertheless remains intact. When Catherine returned to the Heights after her five week stay at the Grange, she is much changed in appearance and makes fun of the ragged Heathcliff, when ordered to shake hands with Catherine by Hindley, Heathcliff refuses, saying-: "I shall not stand to be laughed at, I shall not hear it". Similarly, when insulted by Edgar during one of his visits to the Heights, Heathcliff empties a tureen of applesauce over him. Finally, when the realization dawns on him that Catherine has chosen status, wealth and position in preference to him, he disappears for three years and returns in the guise of a gentleman. Part of Heathcliff's survival mechanism during the period that he is being terrorized by Hindley, is the thought and prospect of revenge, he is determined to have is own back and confesses to Nelly-: "I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last, I hope he will not die be...
