Wuthering Heights

In June, Frances gives birth to a son, Hareton—a beautiful, healthy boy. But the doctor reveals Frances has consumption and won't survive the winter. Frances, delirious with joy over her baby, refuses to believe she's dying, though the illness is obvious. In September, Hareton is barely three months old when Hindley comes home one evening to find Frances sitting by the fire, appearing better than usual. She laughs, talks cheerfully, and seems almost healthy. But that night, while Hindley carries her upstairs, she coughs, puts her hand to her throat, and blood gushes out. She dies in Hindley's arms. Hindley's grief transforms him completely—he becomes reckless, desperate, and dangerous. He curses God, prays for his own death, and begins drinking heavily. Nelly cares for baby Hareton while watching Hindley descend into self-destruction. He loses all care for his son, his estate, or his own life. The household falls into chaos as Hindley's drinking grows worse and his behavior more erratic. This marks the beginning of Hareton's tragic life—born into love, orphaned into neglect, destined to grow up degraded in his own ancestral home.