Wuthering Heights

This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. misanthropist (noun):

someone who dislikes other people or the company of other people

“A perfect misanthropist’s heaven—and Mr. Heathcliff and I are such a suitable pair to divide the desolation between us.” (Chapter 1, Page 13)

2. heath (noun):

open land that commonly supports wild vegetation such as heather and coarse grasses

“I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights.” (Chapter 2, Page 17)

3. countenance (noun):

face; expression on someone’s face

“They could not every day sit so grim and taciturn, and it was impossible, however ill-tempered they might be, that the universal scowl they wore was their every day countenance.” (Chapter 2, Page 20)

4. palaver (noun):

useless and lengthy talk

“Frances [. . .] seated herself on her husband’s knee, and there they were, like two babies, kissing and talking nonsense by the hour—foolish palaver that we should be ashamed of.” (Chapter 3, Page 27)

5. lachrymose (adjective):