In the book "Wuthering Heights" status plays an important role. Heathcliff is found on the streets by Mr. Earnshaw, a wealthy gentleman. Heathcliff has two strikes against him; he is a poor orphan and he is a Roma/Gypsy child. Mr. Earnshaw takes him to live with him and his family to be raised as his own son, but upon his death Heathcliff did not inherit anything. The inheritance by law went to the oldest son, Hindley.
Hindley hated Heathcliff and immediately reduced him back to his social stature. He made him a servant in the home and treated him badly. Heathcliff loved Catherine Earnshaw so he remained behind to be near her.
Catherine finds out what it means to be part of the more elite society and can hardly tolerate Heathcliff's short comings. She is also aware that if she were to marry him, she would have nothing and be a poor person. When Heathcliff hears that she has been asked to marry Mr. Linton and her rude remarks about Heathcliff, he runs away.
Heathcliff returns with money and begins to acquire Wuthering Heights. He is more accepted by others because he has gained financial status as well as having become more polished. Had Heathcliff not been so determined to get Catherine back and ruin Hindley and Edgar Linton’s life, he could have now been a part of the upper society.
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