On the contrary, it appears that the news caused
Heathcliff to greatly clarify what he wanted to do. There is no sense that he became mad
or insane. Actually, if we look at what he tells Catherine in Chapter Ten, when he
returns to the Yorkshire Moors after his time away, he seemed to have been quite decided
about what he would do when he heard of her marriage to Edgar
Linton:
I
heard of your marriage, Cathy, not long since; and, while waiting in the yard below, I
meditated this plan--just to have one glimpse of your face, a stare of surprise,
perhaps, and pretended pleasure; afterwards settle my score with Hindley; and then
prevent the law by doing execution on
myself.
His plan is
definitely extreme, but delivered in a reasonable voice. Having lost his one true love,
there appears no other option for Heathcliff than to settle his scores and end his own
life. Of course, the warmth of the greeting that he receives from Catherine changes his
plan and gives him hope. So, Heathcliff does not react to the news of Catherine's
marriage to Edgar with madness. Of course, he is upset, but he manages to control his
emotions and responds in a way that is extreme but reasonable given the extent of his
devotion and love towards her.
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