Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights
Darwin's Theory of Sexual Selection as Applied to Catherine Linton
Aug 6, 2008
Darwin’s theory of sexual selection is one which is demonstrated prominently in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights through the character of Catherine. Catherine’s is a character who illustrates the theory that the female is the one who selects her male partner. She demonstrates the ramifications which sometimes plague the female in the event that she makes the wrong decision, or does not follow her instinct – or her heart. Her decision to marry Edgar Linton is one that has numerous repercussions with which she must deal, and eventually leads to the deterioration of her mental faculties and her death.
Darwin’s Theory of Sexual Selection
According to Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, the females of some species select their male partners, in part, because of colorful plumage, or attractive appearance. The females are in control, and they decide whom they will take as mates, when they will mate, etc. Obviously, in the animal kingdom, the idea of which male has the most riches, material possessions, or social standing does not come into play. What others think of the female’s decision doesn’t come into play either – as it does with Catherine.
When thinking of selecting a mate, Catherine is not looking for the traditional ideal of a man. To the audience, as well as Nelly, to whom Catherine confides her dilemma, it would seem that Catherine is a bit confused and falls for the first man she sees. She is not allowing her heart to guide her, truly, because she is fearful of what others may think. She expresses no true concern about her personal happiness. She is clearly rushing her decision.
Adapting the Theory: Catherine’s Actions
Such a situation adds a different perspective to Darwin’s theory when it’s applied to the dilemma which Catherine faces. The repercussions with which Catherine must deal, as well as those that haunt her family after she has passed away, are new perspectives added to Darwin’s theory. Applying his theory to human behavior is something that becomes very complicated; far more than it would be when applied to the animal kingdom alone.
Though she has her pick of whom she can marry, she cannot ignore the loyalty she feels toward Heathcliff – though it may only be superficial when it comes to keeping up appearances. Catherine says that she loves Heathcliff, but she cannot afford to marry him because she fears what others may think. Societal opinion, according to her, seems to be that she would be looked down upon.
Although, in the end, the fact that Catherine did not follow her heart, and disregarded the presumed degradation that society would have bestowed upon her for marrying Heathcliff, leads to her mental collapse and eventual death.
Catherine’s Ego Speaks
Catherine’s decision is not based on survival. Her decision is based on egotistical, immediate gratification. There is not a moment when she stops to think about the enormity of the decision which she is about to make. Catherine is blinded by the possibility of showing others what she can become. Pleasing other people comes first. Although, the repercussions that follow affect all those close to her.
The fact that others are suffering is directly related to Catherine’s decision, and to the events which stem from the situation. It becomes a domino effect, and the events that follow demonstrate that history does repeat itself. When she decided to marry Edgar Linton, she sealed her fate, as well as her daughter’s.
Catherine’s Legacy
Her daughter, who is named for her mother, reaps the consequences of her mother’s decision through lies, seclusion and ignorance. Kept in the dark over the existence of Heathcliff and his son, she is also ignorant of their close proximity.
For Mr. Linton, it is a matter of convenience to keep her from the existence of the past. Like Catherine, he does not want to confront the truth. He knows that his daughter is capable of making her own decisions. She has her own voice and firmly believes that what took place so many years ago has nothing to do with her. In the end, she follows in her mother’s footsteps, and by taking this path, she is better able to understand what her mother experienced.
Catherine’s Demise
Before her death, Catherine declines rather rapidly both physically and mentally. Her physical appearance becomes a reflection of her mental state. She no longer cares about herself; the regret she feels has finally driven her over the edge. She has become delusional, and all her thoughts are centered around Heathcliff.
After she has passed, the decision which Catherine made becomes the foundation on which others continue to live, and the young to build upon. Thinking of the moment, and not of her life, Catherine did not realize the implications of her decision and what could possibly happen if it were a mistake. Catherine was in control, and that was all that mattered.
Introduction of Egotism to Darwin’s Theory
She had her pick between Edgar and Heathcliff just as, according to Darwin, the female has her pick of the males which parade before her. Even into death, Catherine remained in control, she knew that Heathcliff would follow her, and Edgar would mourn her. The image of Catherine would live on in her daughter and would be a constant reminder to Edgar, as well as others.
Darwin’s theory of sexual selection is more easily understood when confined to the animal kingdom. When the theory is applied to the human species, there are tremendous complications which arise. The human condition is one which allows for feelings, conscience, egotism and some self-consciousness. Catherine is the perfect example of a woman in control. But she is also a woman who did not care to realize that her actions reached beyond the present moment, and beyond herself.
Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. New York: Modern Library, 2000.
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