Why Do We Not Like Nelly Dean in the Novel Wuthering Heights?

Well, there's a very simple fact: nobody loves a snitch. But in this particular case, we hang on to their words because it's the only motor of our existence—as readers.

Imagine a situation where a very famous singer dies, and his widow emerges into the spotlight. The audience is torn: hope that the estate will release something great, or despise the widow who possesses untold treasures. This duality mirrors our complex feelings towards Nelly Dean in Wuthering Heights.

Why We Dislike Nelly Dean

Nelly Dean tells most of the story. She has a strong memory, never suffers from illness, and shows a bossy demeanor towards the young help. Although she admits to disliking Catherine, she still confides in her. Essentially, she is a resilient, healthy woman who doesn't appear to be a mute witness. Her role in the narrative evolves from being a caretaker to being an active contributor to the abuse inflicted upon Heathcliff.

One of the primary reasons for our dislike of Nelly is her interference in the lives of others. She withholds crucial information and manipulates situations to her advantage. She becomes the subconscious enabler of Heathcliff's torment, even while outwardly disliking it. Her desire for her employers' approval and status is clear, and she actively supports the abuse towards Heathcliff. It's no wonder Catherine, upon returning, was unfeeling towards Linton Earnshaw.

Nelly's Social Climbing and Survival

Nelly is a social climber who has lived in either fear or longing for the side effects of her actions. Her survival tactics are often her downfall, a paradox that is humorously evident in her failure to follow orders without disastrous results. Despite her manipulative and unhelpful nature, Nelly maintains control over the narrative. Even Heathcliff, a character often portrayed as malicious, shows kindness towards her at times, further illustrating her survival instinct.

Empathy is rare for Nelly. By the end of the story, she is seen as the last girl standing who has proved herself to be intolerant, abusive, intrusive, and incompetent throughout the novel. She is a toxic woman, embodying the worst stereotypes of a manipulative and morally bankrupt character. However, it is poetic justice that she is the one to remain unscathed by the inevitable downfall of the novel's other characters.

The Final Word: Dislike and Fairness

While the novel provides an ambiguous and often harsh portrayal of Nelly, it's possible to read the story from a perspective where our dislike of Nelly is justified. However, it is equally valid to argue that our dislike of Nelly is perhaps the greatest unfairness in the novel. Despite the complexity of her character, she remains a source of tension and conflict that drives the narrative forward.

Ultimately, Wuthering Heights allows for multiple interpretations of Nelly and her role. As readers, we are challenged to reconcile our feelings towards her with the narrative demands of the story. Whether we see her as a necessary antagonist or a character we can empathize with, the complexity of Nelly's character remains a central focus in the novel.