Why is Mr. Lockwood initially confused about Hareton Earnshaw's social position? What seems to be the relationship between Hareton and the other members of the household?

Mr. Lockwood is initially confused about Hareton Earnshaw's social position due to a series of misunderstandings and assumptions based on Hareton's appearance and behavior. When Mr. Lockwood first encounters Hareton at Wuthering Heights in Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights," he observes a young man who appears rough and uneducated, with a demeanor that suggests a servant or laborer rather than a gentleman. However, Lockwood also notices that Hareton shows signs of defiance and pride that are not typical for a servant, creating a confusing picture of his true status.

Furthermore, Lockwood is misled by his conversation with Heathcliff, who treats Hareton with contempt and does not correct Lockwood's mistaken assumption that Hareton is a servant. This is part of Heathcliff's deliberate degradation of Hareton, who is actually the last surviving heir to Wuthering Heights and the Earnshaw family, but is being raised without any knowledge or benefits of his inheritance.

As for the relationship between Hareton and the other members of the household, it is complex. Hareton is related by blood to the Earnshaws, but his position in the family has been usurped by Heathcliff, the dark and brooding master of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff has a vested interest in keeping Hareton's true status concealed as part of his revenge against the Earnshaws and the Lintons. Hence, Hareton is treated more as a laborer than as the rightful heir to the estate. Nevertheless, Hareton shows a certain loyalty to Heathcliff, possibly because Heathcliff is the only male figure he has ever known, despite Heathcliff's cruel treatment.

In behaviour, Hareton is rough and seemingly uncouth, a result of his upbringing under Heathcliff, who took care to ensure that Hareton remained uneducated and uncivilized. This confuses Lockwood even further, because Hareton’s behavior doesn't fit with the social norms Lockwood expects from someone of Hareton’s stature.

Extra: "Social position" or "social status" is a concept that was particularly significant during Emily Brontë's time. In the Victorian society portrayed in "Wuthering Heights," social hierarchy was rigidly observed and dictated all aspects of personal interaction. A person's status impacted their wealth, occupation, and relationships, which is why Lockwood found it so crucial to understand Hareton's position.

Hareton Earnshaw is essentially the victim of Heathcliff's long-term plan of vengeance against those who he believes have wronged him. Despite being the rightful owner, Hareton has been denied his inheritance, raised without education, and is oblivious to his true status. Lockwood, unaware of this history, only sees the façade created by current circumstances, not the family legacy that has been subverted by Heathcliff's machinations.

Understanding Hareton's story requires awareness of themes like revenge, inheritance, and the impact of environment on one's character and status. Brontë delves into how these themes affect the trajectory of individual lives and how an individual's social status can be at odds with their true heritage, an idea powerfully embodied in the character of Hareton.