Lyn Pykett's feminist critique of Wuthering Heights reiterated the importance of literacy in the actions and identities of the two Catherines. She describes the first Catherine's diary as being indicative of her rebellious, dissatisfied nature. The fact that Catherine wrote about the things in her life that she did, as well as the ones that caused her frustration, shows that she was determined to exist outside of society's expectations for girls. Growing up, she is wild and unrestrained. It is only after going to Thrushcross Grange that she begins to conform. In this conformity, she loses part of herself. It might be the most vital part, since her transformation into a proper lady eventually leads to her demise, though it may be in a roundabout way. I think this is a common theme in feminist literature; a woman gives up her own desires and personality in order to be what society wants her to be, and so causes her destruction.

Cathy uses books in order to hang onto her identity. She refuses to allow her will to succumb to the imprisonment at Wuthering Heights, though she cannot do anything about the physical entrapment. Books eventually allow her to choose Hareton, which will make her happy. Cathy is able to fulfill her desires, because she holds onto the power of literacy. Catherine stops holding reading and writing in any sort of real esteem, and so stops fighting for her identity.