| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eleven |
As a hush fell over the Reading Appreciation congregation, the discussion began
as Mary said, "Let us discuss Heathcliff..."
She then skillfully allowed the subject of this diverse man settle over everyone,
before she added, "...quite a complex character, wouldn't you all agree?"
And it was that lone statement, which really got Rebecca fired up! Anxiously,
she raised her hand, to share her thoughts on one of her most favorite tragic
heroes of all literature.
Upon seeing Rebecca's eager demeanor, Mary efficiently pointed to her, and
urged her to share her insight into the character of Heathcliff, by saying, "Yes
do tell us what you think Rebecca...share..."
Standing up, Rebecca adjusted her apron, and thoughtfully said, "As you well
know Mary, I have always been struck by Heathcliff's great natural abilities, and
his strength of character. Not to mention his powerful love for Catherine
Earnshaw! All of these attributes enabled him to raise himself from his humble
beginnings, to the status of a wealthy gentleman."
Contemplating Rebecca's statement, Mary then asked the group, "And why do
you think this was so? Anyone?"
To which Vincent stood, and astutely contributed, "It is clear that it was because
of the love, and nurturing of his adoptive Father, to which he was able to find
any self worth at all!"
Vincent's statement, then prompted Mary's next question, causing her to delve
deeper into Heathcliff's character by asking, "Then what do you suppose was
his downfall...anyone?"
Upon which Jacob cleared his throat as he stood, and said, "It was his need to
revenge himself of Hindley's abuse when he was a child, AND for Catherine's
betrayal! These are the two things which led him into a twisted life of cruelty
and hatred."
Mournfully, Mary brought her hand to her heart, and with a deep saddened
breath, she then inquired, "And what part of Catherine's betrayal that drove him
so?"
To which Brooke offered, "Well, it was her shunning him and viewing him as
lowly. Because remember when Heathcliff overheard the conversation between
Nelly and Cathy, and Cathy said it would "degrade" her to marry Heathcliff!
This is what made him run away and pursue his vengeance big time!"
Mary nodded, and then paced as she pondered, "So, understanding that...can
we forgive him...do we pity him?"
With something to say about this, Jennifer raised her hand, and said, "Oh sure,
we the reader may easily sympathize with him when he was a powerless child
tyrannized by Hindley Earnshaw, but as a man, who acquires power, returning
to Wuthering Heights with money and the trappings of a gentleman, well then he
becomes a villain! As far as I am concerned, at that point, he loses all
sympathy!"
In response, Rebecca angrily stood and pleadingly explained, "But he is hurt,
and has been betrayed! He is a man with a broken heart beneath all of the
gruffness, a man who can love...who can love...love so completely! A man who
was changed by love, or rather, by the betrayal of the lack there of!"
Now it was Catherine's who stood, and spoke with compassion for Rebecca's
point of view, as she gently pointed out, "But Heathcliff does not reform, and
his malice proves so great and long-lasting that it cannot be adequately
explained! And his abuse of Isabella is purely sadistic."
To which Jennifer emphatically added, "Yes, and he seems to amuse himself,
by seeing how much abuse she can take!"
In summation, Mary then calmly asked, "So is he a fallen hero, or a hero on the
rise?"
Upon which Lisa stood and noted, "Well, the novel teases us with the possibility
that Heathcliff is something other than what he seems, and his cruelty is merely
an expression of his frustrated love for Catherine, or better still, shows his
sinister behaviors serve to conceal the heart of a romantic hero. However alas,
we never see a hero...only a man with a broken spirit...who never strives to
change."
With sympathy, Rebecca then lamented, "If only Catherine had not betrayed
him as she had..."
To which Peter then said, "Hey, but the fact is, she did! And feeling betrayed is
no excuse to be so vengeful. He ruined many lives because of his self pity.
Which is NOT a very impressive trait for a man to have!"
Precisely, Mary concluded the discussion by saying, "So to recap... we all agree
Heathcliff, was born into poverty, was then adopted by a good man who loved
and cared for him...perhaps too much at his other children's expense, and then
ultimately chose the lowly path of vengeance to follow instead, of a higher
dignified road."
Vincent nodded in agreement, and then stood to say, "Yes, he chose to let the
power of his love for Catherine, which outwardly went unrequited...destroy all
the goodness he owned, instead of honing in on the strength of his love for her,
to empower his heart."
Rebecca then said, "Well I would like to think, that at least in death, Heathcliff
found happiness. His spirit reuniting with Catherine's, to walk the moors
throughout eternity together."
Then like a possessed victim, Rebecca's eyes glazed over, and she recited a line
from the book, "And, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I left the
forge, so the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of
tranquil light they showed to me. I saw no shadow of another parting from her."
To which Jamie exclaimed, "Well that just sounds creepy to me!"
With a tip of his head, Vincent corrected Jamie by saying, "When you love
someone Jamie...it is really quite a comforting thought...to know love will never
die or be lost. That the death of a body, does not extinguish the love between
two people..."
With a tearful look about the room, Mary nodded a satisfying nod, and said,
"What an astute way to conclude the study of Heathcliff everyone!"
As Mary walked over to the Parlor's table, she cheerfully offered, "Everyone,
come help yourself to some tea, and there are some Carrot Muffins as well!"
Everyone stood, and as the thought provoking discussion still hung in the air,
they continued to speak of Heathcliff, as they poured their tea.
As Jennifer looked over at Rebecca, she couldn't help but be a little curious
about Rebecca's loyalty to Heathcliff, and so she asked her, "Rebecca, clue me
in on why you stick up for Heathcliff!"
Thoughtfully, Rebecca answered, "I don't know, I suppose it is because I feel
sorry for him."
And then Rebecca questioned, "And you are so harsh Jennifer...why?"
In response, Jennifer truthfully answered, "Because he is a chauvinist of the
worst kind...over women!"
As her comment fired up Rebecca, she began a heartfelt tirade in Heathcliff's
defense, unwittingly allowing an all clear for Lisa to hone in on Ronald!
Jennifer was stuck, as Rebecca raged on, and could not get away to intercede.
So all she could do was watch from afar, and hope Lisa does not steel away
with Ronald.
What she didn't know was that Lisa was telling him about a man she had met at
the Benefit, and told him she thought he just may be the one. Humbly Lisa then
added, "I do apologize I was so forward with you in the Hot Springs Chamber
Ronald...do say you forgive me."
Warmly Ronald said, "There is nothing to forgive Lisa, and I am glad you told
me about this new man...it means you still consider me a friend, and I would
really like to be your friend."
Jennifer cringed from where she stood, as she saw Lisa reach over and give
Ronald a very well received embrace! Then quizzically she saw as Lisa made
her rounds telling everyone goodnight and then...poof...she was gone!
Jennifer had to wonder if maybe Ronald would be leaving too, to meet her
somewhere.
But he didn't...he acknowledged Brooke who asked him something...and then
with a raise of his head, he looked Jennifer's way! He then smiled and walked
up to her.
Jennifer thought, "Oh no, this is it, he is going to tell me he is tired or something,
and then slip away!"
But he didn't, he instead offered Jennifer a Carrot Muffin, and as he sipped his
tea, he contentedly stood at her side. Jennifer stared at him in amazement,
wondering what was going on!
As Ronald looked down at her to ask how she liked her muffin, he did a double
take, and asked, "What is it Jenny? You...you looked stunned!"
To which Jennifer dazedly asked, "Don't you have to go somewhere?"
Upon hearing Jennifer's question, Ronald curiously frowned, and then
thoughtfully said, "I don't think so, why, have I forgotten something?"
As the realization set in that Ronald was not leaving, she nervously cleared her
throat and then said, "No...no I just thought...that, well I saw you talking to
Lisa, and well...then she left, and I thought..."
In response, Ronald smiled, and looked downward, as he realized Jennifer had it
all wrong. He then said, "We were just talking that is all Jenny. In fact, it seems
she has met someone at a Benefit, who she really likes, and she was telling me
about him. You know she really seems excited about this guy. She told me he
just may be the one she had been looking for."
With the relief of a 1000 ton brick being lifted from her heart, she said, "Oh
good for Lisa!"
Then silently she thought, "Mmmm good for me too!"
Just then Vincent and Catherine walked over to them, and Vincent relayed, "We
just received some good news from Lisa, it would seem that Sebastian is doing
much better, and may be at our Engagement Party after all."
Catherine warmly laughed saying, "He told Lisa, the children's get well cards
was the best medicine he could have gotten."
Ronald voiced his happiness at this news, and then said, "She told me a scoop
too. She really likes someone she met at a Benefit over the weekend."
Catherine widened her eyes, to look at Jennifer who was beaming! As Jennifer
discreetly smiled back at Catherine, the two friends were relieved at the
significance of this news. More importantly Ronald seemed pleased about this as
well.
Meantime, as Catherine looked up at Vincent, she saw a hurtful look in his eyes,
so she asked, "What is it Vincent?"
After hearing Catherine's inquest, Vincent shook himself from his mood, and
replied, "I am wondering why Lisa did not share her news with me as well..."
Just then Samantha entered the chamber, and called out, "Vincent...Vincent!"
And because Jacob was startled by Samantha's manners, he scolded,
"Samantha, you do not just enter a room, and shout for someone to come to
you...especially an adult. You calmly walk up to them, and then speak to them."
Feeling badly, Samantha curtsied apologetically, and said, "Sorry Father. May I
be excused to speak to Vincent?"
With a curt nod of his head, Jacob smiled and said, "Of course you may
Samantha."
Well after receiving Jacob's permission, it didn't take but a second, for
Samantha to run up to Vincent and say, "Vincent...Lisa wondered if she may
have a word with you."
Upon hearing Lisa's request, Catherine squeezed Vincent's hand, and happily
suggested, "Perhaps she wants to tell you her news after all."
In response, Vincent tipped his head agreeably and said, "Perhaps so. Catherine,
please excuse me."
As Vincent swiftly left the chamber with Samantha, Jennifer with amazement
looked at Catherine and said, "You are not the least bit jealous! You and
Vincent sure have come along way."
In agreement, Catherine smiled at her friend and said, "You are right Jen...we
have. I understand the friendship between Vincent and Lisa, has so many
dimensions, and I have accepted Lisa will always hold a place in Vincent's
heart."
Ronald then thoughtfully added, "I suppose that kind of trust comes, when you
know where you stand with someone. When you know you are the one they
care about."
Ronald then turned to Jennifer and offered a sorrowful look, wanting to let her
know he understood her feelings, and knew it was his fault she felt insecure as
far as Lisa was concerned.
So a bit nervously, Ronald then cleared his throat, and added, "I suppose a
person needs to tell a person how important they are to them, and not just
assume they know."
And so because Jennifer wanted to reveal her feelings too, she now spoke in the
third person as she said, "Yes it is important to tell the other person, especially
when the other person is insecure, and is not as attractive as other girls."
Meantime, Catherine slowly slipped away unnoticed, and smiled to herself, as
she happily heard Ronald say, "Perhaps the other person thinks the other
persons knows how very lovely she is, and should know she is just as attractive
as anyone she may compare herself to."
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
as Mary said, "Let us discuss Heathcliff..."
She then skillfully allowed the subject of this diverse man settle over everyone,
before she added, "...quite a complex character, wouldn't you all agree?"
And it was that lone statement, which really got Rebecca fired up! Anxiously,
she raised her hand, to share her thoughts on one of her most favorite tragic
heroes of all literature.
Upon seeing Rebecca's eager demeanor, Mary efficiently pointed to her, and
urged her to share her insight into the character of Heathcliff, by saying, "Yes
do tell us what you think Rebecca...share..."
Standing up, Rebecca adjusted her apron, and thoughtfully said, "As you well
know Mary, I have always been struck by Heathcliff's great natural abilities, and
his strength of character. Not to mention his powerful love for Catherine
Earnshaw! All of these attributes enabled him to raise himself from his humble
beginnings, to the status of a wealthy gentleman."
Contemplating Rebecca's statement, Mary then asked the group, "And why do
you think this was so? Anyone?"
To which Vincent stood, and astutely contributed, "It is clear that it was because
of the love, and nurturing of his adoptive Father, to which he was able to find
any self worth at all!"
Vincent's statement, then prompted Mary's next question, causing her to delve
deeper into Heathcliff's character by asking, "Then what do you suppose was
his downfall...anyone?"
Upon which Jacob cleared his throat as he stood, and said, "It was his need to
revenge himself of Hindley's abuse when he was a child, AND for Catherine's
betrayal! These are the two things which led him into a twisted life of cruelty
and hatred."
Mournfully, Mary brought her hand to her heart, and with a deep saddened
breath, she then inquired, "And what part of Catherine's betrayal that drove him
so?"
To which Brooke offered, "Well, it was her shunning him and viewing him as
lowly. Because remember when Heathcliff overheard the conversation between
Nelly and Cathy, and Cathy said it would "degrade" her to marry Heathcliff!
This is what made him run away and pursue his vengeance big time!"
Mary nodded, and then paced as she pondered, "So, understanding that...can
we forgive him...do we pity him?"
With something to say about this, Jennifer raised her hand, and said, "Oh sure,
we the reader may easily sympathize with him when he was a powerless child
tyrannized by Hindley Earnshaw, but as a man, who acquires power, returning
to Wuthering Heights with money and the trappings of a gentleman, well then he
becomes a villain! As far as I am concerned, at that point, he loses all
sympathy!"
In response, Rebecca angrily stood and pleadingly explained, "But he is hurt,
and has been betrayed! He is a man with a broken heart beneath all of the
gruffness, a man who can love...who can love...love so completely! A man who
was changed by love, or rather, by the betrayal of the lack there of!"
Now it was Catherine's who stood, and spoke with compassion for Rebecca's
point of view, as she gently pointed out, "But Heathcliff does not reform, and
his malice proves so great and long-lasting that it cannot be adequately
explained! And his abuse of Isabella is purely sadistic."
To which Jennifer emphatically added, "Yes, and he seems to amuse himself,
by seeing how much abuse she can take!"
In summation, Mary then calmly asked, "So is he a fallen hero, or a hero on the
rise?"
Upon which Lisa stood and noted, "Well, the novel teases us with the possibility
that Heathcliff is something other than what he seems, and his cruelty is merely
an expression of his frustrated love for Catherine, or better still, shows his
sinister behaviors serve to conceal the heart of a romantic hero. However alas,
we never see a hero...only a man with a broken spirit...who never strives to
change."
With sympathy, Rebecca then lamented, "If only Catherine had not betrayed
him as she had..."
To which Peter then said, "Hey, but the fact is, she did! And feeling betrayed is
no excuse to be so vengeful. He ruined many lives because of his self pity.
Which is NOT a very impressive trait for a man to have!"
Precisely, Mary concluded the discussion by saying, "So to recap... we all agree
Heathcliff, was born into poverty, was then adopted by a good man who loved
and cared for him...perhaps too much at his other children's expense, and then
ultimately chose the lowly path of vengeance to follow instead, of a higher
dignified road."
Vincent nodded in agreement, and then stood to say, "Yes, he chose to let the
power of his love for Catherine, which outwardly went unrequited...destroy all
the goodness he owned, instead of honing in on the strength of his love for her,
to empower his heart."
Rebecca then said, "Well I would like to think, that at least in death, Heathcliff
found happiness. His spirit reuniting with Catherine's, to walk the moors
throughout eternity together."
Then like a possessed victim, Rebecca's eyes glazed over, and she recited a line
from the book, "And, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I left the
forge, so the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of
tranquil light they showed to me. I saw no shadow of another parting from her."
To which Jamie exclaimed, "Well that just sounds creepy to me!"
With a tip of his head, Vincent corrected Jamie by saying, "When you love
someone Jamie...it is really quite a comforting thought...to know love will never
die or be lost. That the death of a body, does not extinguish the love between
two people..."
With a tearful look about the room, Mary nodded a satisfying nod, and said,
"What an astute way to conclude the study of Heathcliff everyone!"
As Mary walked over to the Parlor's table, she cheerfully offered, "Everyone,
come help yourself to some tea, and there are some Carrot Muffins as well!"
Everyone stood, and as the thought provoking discussion still hung in the air,
they continued to speak of Heathcliff, as they poured their tea.
As Jennifer looked over at Rebecca, she couldn't help but be a little curious
about Rebecca's loyalty to Heathcliff, and so she asked her, "Rebecca, clue me
in on why you stick up for Heathcliff!"
Thoughtfully, Rebecca answered, "I don't know, I suppose it is because I feel
sorry for him."
And then Rebecca questioned, "And you are so harsh Jennifer...why?"
In response, Jennifer truthfully answered, "Because he is a chauvinist of the
worst kind...over women!"
As her comment fired up Rebecca, she began a heartfelt tirade in Heathcliff's
defense, unwittingly allowing an all clear for Lisa to hone in on Ronald!
Jennifer was stuck, as Rebecca raged on, and could not get away to intercede.
So all she could do was watch from afar, and hope Lisa does not steel away
with Ronald.
What she didn't know was that Lisa was telling him about a man she had met at
the Benefit, and told him she thought he just may be the one. Humbly Lisa then
added, "I do apologize I was so forward with you in the Hot Springs Chamber
Ronald...do say you forgive me."
Warmly Ronald said, "There is nothing to forgive Lisa, and I am glad you told
me about this new man...it means you still consider me a friend, and I would
really like to be your friend."
Jennifer cringed from where she stood, as she saw Lisa reach over and give
Ronald a very well received embrace! Then quizzically she saw as Lisa made
her rounds telling everyone goodnight and then...poof...she was gone!
Jennifer had to wonder if maybe Ronald would be leaving too, to meet her
somewhere.
But he didn't...he acknowledged Brooke who asked him something...and then
with a raise of his head, he looked Jennifer's way! He then smiled and walked
up to her.
Jennifer thought, "Oh no, this is it, he is going to tell me he is tired or something,
and then slip away!"
But he didn't, he instead offered Jennifer a Carrot Muffin, and as he sipped his
tea, he contentedly stood at her side. Jennifer stared at him in amazement,
wondering what was going on!
As Ronald looked down at her to ask how she liked her muffin, he did a double
take, and asked, "What is it Jenny? You...you looked stunned!"
To which Jennifer dazedly asked, "Don't you have to go somewhere?"
Upon hearing Jennifer's question, Ronald curiously frowned, and then
thoughtfully said, "I don't think so, why, have I forgotten something?"
As the realization set in that Ronald was not leaving, she nervously cleared her
throat and then said, "No...no I just thought...that, well I saw you talking to
Lisa, and well...then she left, and I thought..."
In response, Ronald smiled, and looked downward, as he realized Jennifer had it
all wrong. He then said, "We were just talking that is all Jenny. In fact, it seems
she has met someone at a Benefit, who she really likes, and she was telling me
about him. You know she really seems excited about this guy. She told me he
just may be the one she had been looking for."
With the relief of a 1000 ton brick being lifted from her heart, she said, "Oh
good for Lisa!"
Then silently she thought, "Mmmm good for me too!"
Just then Vincent and Catherine walked over to them, and Vincent relayed, "We
just received some good news from Lisa, it would seem that Sebastian is doing
much better, and may be at our Engagement Party after all."
Catherine warmly laughed saying, "He told Lisa, the children's get well cards
was the best medicine he could have gotten."
Ronald voiced his happiness at this news, and then said, "She told me a scoop
too. She really likes someone she met at a Benefit over the weekend."
Catherine widened her eyes, to look at Jennifer who was beaming! As Jennifer
discreetly smiled back at Catherine, the two friends were relieved at the
significance of this news. More importantly Ronald seemed pleased about this as
well.
Meantime, as Catherine looked up at Vincent, she saw a hurtful look in his eyes,
so she asked, "What is it Vincent?"
After hearing Catherine's inquest, Vincent shook himself from his mood, and
replied, "I am wondering why Lisa did not share her news with me as well..."
Just then Samantha entered the chamber, and called out, "Vincent...Vincent!"
And because Jacob was startled by Samantha's manners, he scolded,
"Samantha, you do not just enter a room, and shout for someone to come to
you...especially an adult. You calmly walk up to them, and then speak to them."
Feeling badly, Samantha curtsied apologetically, and said, "Sorry Father. May I
be excused to speak to Vincent?"
With a curt nod of his head, Jacob smiled and said, "Of course you may
Samantha."
Well after receiving Jacob's permission, it didn't take but a second, for
Samantha to run up to Vincent and say, "Vincent...Lisa wondered if she may
have a word with you."
Upon hearing Lisa's request, Catherine squeezed Vincent's hand, and happily
suggested, "Perhaps she wants to tell you her news after all."
In response, Vincent tipped his head agreeably and said, "Perhaps so. Catherine,
please excuse me."
As Vincent swiftly left the chamber with Samantha, Jennifer with amazement
looked at Catherine and said, "You are not the least bit jealous! You and
Vincent sure have come along way."
In agreement, Catherine smiled at her friend and said, "You are right Jen...we
have. I understand the friendship between Vincent and Lisa, has so many
dimensions, and I have accepted Lisa will always hold a place in Vincent's
heart."
Ronald then thoughtfully added, "I suppose that kind of trust comes, when you
know where you stand with someone. When you know you are the one they
care about."
Ronald then turned to Jennifer and offered a sorrowful look, wanting to let her
know he understood her feelings, and knew it was his fault she felt insecure as
far as Lisa was concerned.
So a bit nervously, Ronald then cleared his throat, and added, "I suppose a
person needs to tell a person how important they are to them, and not just
assume they know."
And so because Jennifer wanted to reveal her feelings too, she now spoke in the
third person as she said, "Yes it is important to tell the other person, especially
when the other person is insecure, and is not as attractive as other girls."
Meantime, Catherine slowly slipped away unnoticed, and smiled to herself, as
she happily heard Ronald say, "Perhaps the other person thinks the other
persons knows how very lovely she is, and should know she is just as attractive
as anyone she may compare herself to."
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
