* Cathy's background: Cathy, as the daughter of Edgar Linton, is well-educated and accustomed to a refined lifestyle.
* Hareton's background: Hareton, raised by the harsh Hindley Earnshaw, lacks education and social graces. He is often rude and uncouth.
* Cathy's mockery: Cathy's mocking of Hareton is a mix of both amusement and disdain. She finds his lack of knowledge humorous, but she also looks down upon him for it. This includes:
* Making fun of his speech: Cathy often corrects his grammar and pronunciation, highlighting his lack of education.
* Belittling his hobbies: She mocks his interest in hunting and other "rough" activities.
* Comparing him to Edgar: She constantly compares him to her deceased father, highlighting his inferiority in terms of refinement.
The Result:
* Hareton's bitterness: Hareton, although initially unaware of Cathy's true feelings, eventually recognizes her mockery and is hurt by it. This creates a rift between them.
* Hareton's desire for change: Cathy's scorn, while unintended, sparks a desire in Hareton to improve himself. He begins to read and educate himself, striving to be worthy of Cathy's respect.
* A turning point in their relationship: Although Cathy initially finds Hareton's transformation amusing, it ultimately leads to a deeper understanding and connection between them. This change in Hareton is what ultimately allows him to win Cathy's heart and become a more admirable character.
Ultimately, Cathy's mocking of Hareton, while initially hurtful, serves as a catalyst for his personal growth and a turning point in their relationship.