In Chapter 3 of Wuthering Heights, Mr. Lockwood, the new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, continues his exploration of the peculiar household at Wuthering Heights. After his initial awkward encounter with Heathcliff, Lockwood is eager to uncover more about the complex relationships and history of the residents. This chapter primarily focuses on Lockwood's interaction with Joseph, a surly and cantankerous servant at Wuthering Heights.

Lockwood's curiosity leads him to engage Joseph, who is characterized by his thick Yorkshire accent and gruff demeanor. Through Joseph's dialogue, Lockwood learns about the Earnshaw family, who originally lived at Wuthering Heights, and their connection to the Linton family, who reside at the nearby Thrushcross Grange. Joseph recounts stories that reveal the tumultuous dynamics within these families, emphasizing the harshness of life on the moors and the deep-rooted animosities that exist.

The chapter highlights the stark contrasts between the two households: the Earnshaws, who are seen as more rugged and passionate, and the Lintons, who embody gentility and social refinement. Joseph's comments hint at past conflicts, particularly between Heathcliff and Edgar Linton, foreshadowing the intense rivalry that will play out later in the story. Lockwood's attempts to connect with Joseph are met with resistance, illustrating the isolation and insularity of the characters at Wuthering Heights.

This chapter serves to deepen the reader's understanding of the setting and the characters' backgrounds. It establishes the atmosphere of tension and hostility that permeates the relationships within the narrative. Lockwood, as an outsider, struggles to piece together the complex history of the families, which is marked by love, betrayal, and revenge. Ultimately, Joseph's reluctant revelations about the past set the stage for the unfolding drama between Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar, showcasing Brontë's skill in building an intricate and layered narrative.

Through this interaction, readers begin to sense the underlying themes of class conflict and social expectations, which will be pivotal as the story progresses. The chapter concludes with Lockwood feeling a mix of intrigue and discomfort, foreshadowing the tumultuous events that will soon transpire as he becomes more entwined in the lives of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights.