I'd like to know the ages of Cathy and Heathcliff according to the novel. In an interview with Timothy Dalton, he said that Cathy died at 19. If she was 19, how old was Heathcliff?
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
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You think so? When you see Heathcliff as a child, he looks so small and young. If he was living on the streets then he would be smaller than a typical child who had a home and a family. In the 1970 version, Heathcliff looks a few years younger than Cathy; in the 1992 version he looks more her age. I never really thought of Heathcliff being older than Cathy.
I think the 1970 version is more youthful; that is the actors were closer to the ages of Cathy and Heathcliff. Fiennes and Binoche seemed too old (she seemed too sophisticated) for the roles in the later movie.
What are your thoughts?
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
In the book, Nelly said: "...We crowded round, and over Miss Cathy's head I had a peep at a dirty, ragged, black-haired child; big enough both to walk and talk: indeed, its face looked older than Catherine's..."..I have the Penguin edition of the book whith family tree, where Heathcliff is said to be one year older than Cathy;
shareI have the book too but haven't had a chance to read it in a few years (I'm reading Jane Eyre again). Thanks jannag!
So if Cathy was 18 or 19 when she died, Heathcliff was 19 or 20. Timothy Dalton was about 25 when he played Heathcliff in 1970; Ralph Fiennes was about 30 in the 1992 version. I think (and this is without seeing any other versions other than the 1939 movie) that TD was closer to the adolescent Heathcliff. He acted like a love sick teenager...who was angry that Cathy no longer wanted or needed him...and who had to suddenly grow up and make his way in the world. Ralph Fiennes was no love-sick teen - he was a grown man; his love seemed more obsessive/possesive...more mental than physical...more contolled, menacing...more bent on revenge...definitely the behavior of an adult.
Thoughts?
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
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Even if TD was closer to the age (I havent seen the movies yet but want to) the way you described RF portrayal of Heathcliff matched the book Heathcliff more.
I bet that you look good on the dancefloor
Dancin to electropop like a robot
from 1984:SPERM-TTW
Actually the way you described RF was the way I felt TD performance was. At least in the second part of the 1970 film he was filled with such repressed anger I shiver everytime I see it. Though in the first part he was a love sick teen, but that proves TD acting talent, that he could develop Heathcliff like that. I never cared for RFs portrayal of Heathcliff, even though he's an otherwise good actor. I just don't think he managed to pull of Heathcliff.
But back to the original question.
Heathcliffs age is never spesifically mentioned, because no one knows how old he is. I don't even think he knows himself. But it's reckoned he's Cathys age, or a year older. Which makes TD closer in age. I don't really aprove of actors from 30 and up who tries to portray Cathrine and Heathcliff, because they never manage to get their beheviour at the first half of the book right. First half of the book they're teenagers, and with the behaviour of teenagers. When too old actors try to portray them, they usually come off as immature and plain stupid instead of childish and playful.
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They blew up Congress!!! HAHAHA!
...yes, the decision to cast Binoche as both Cathy Earnshaw and her daughter, as well as that blonde fright wig they put on Binoche playing the role of the daughter, Catherine Linton, was ridiculous. In addition, ihe slightly built and pale Ralph Fiennes playing a cold and mean Heathcliff with none of the passion, made that version almost unwatchable.
shareJust want to point out that the book specifically says Cathy is 22 when she marries.
She was 18 when Heathcliff ran off(Or should I say, it stated she was 22 when he returned, and the maid skipped three years in her story to this point from when he ran off).
And for the dramatic conclusion of this debate that I'm sure will cause an arguement: It also states Heathcliff was 16 at the time (when he ran off). It's stated very early on in that chapter in their lives, Cathy's age is only ever mentioned when she was 12, but says it at the beginning of the chapter when the story is resumed 3 years later.
He is in fact two years younger than Cathy.
Hope this settles the discussion!
Erhm...no! The book clarely states that no-one knows how old Heathcliff is. Which is obvious as they didn't know how old he was when he was found. They assumed he was Cathys age, perhaps younger, but that wasn't clear as of him probably being a victim of starvation and then small for his age.
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They blew up Congress!!! HAHAHA!
Here's a link to a pretty definitive timeline for Wuthering Heights:
http://www.wuthering-heights.co.uk/timeline.htm