Introduction
Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte, is among the most well-known novels of all time, with emphasis on the conflicting human nature. Among the characters of the novel is Heathcliff, torn between evil and good. While some readers might sympathize with the character due to his background and challenges, others experience contempt for the man due to his ruthless and egoistical nature. However, while it can be assumed that Heathcliff does not fit into the traditional categories of either a villain or a hero, he still belongs to the former group. Heathcliff, experiencing the injustice of the world, succumbs to the darkness and represents the bitter, rude, selfish, and revengeful part of humanity.
Discussion
To start with, it is indeed obvious why the readers find Heathcliff as a relatable and sympathetic character. In the beginning, he is described as a “dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman” (Bronte 5). Heathcliff did not grow up in a wealthy family, and, in fact, he is an orphan. Later in the novel, the author emphasizes the cruelty of Hindley Earnshaw, the foster brother of Heathcliff, who attacks the man both verbally and physically. Another relatable and sympathetic feature of the character is his love for Catherine Earnshaw. While the heroine reciprocates his feelings, claiming to Nelly, “I am Heathcliff – he’s always, always in my mind,” she refuses to marry the love of her life since Hindley degrades Heathcliff and this marriage would, in turn, degrade her (Bronte 72). Therefore, even when Heathcliff wants to change and be a better person, he is not given a chance due to constant abuse and the inability to marry the person he loves due to the same abuse.
However, after a close analysis of the protagonist, one can see that this dynamic character is nothing but a villain, and the position of a victim in certain situations does not justify his evil actions. As has been mentioned by Catherine when talking to Isabella about Heathcliff, “he’s not a rough diamond – a pearl-containing oyster of a rustic; he’s a fierce, pitiless, wolfish man” (Bronte 90). Later, the heroine claims that “he’d crush you, like a sparrow’s egg” (Bronte 90). This later becomes a reality for Isabella when she marries the ruthless man.
The author shows how Heathcliff disregards his wife’s feelings, and probably the pique of such evil nature is him hanging Isabella’s dog. According to the account of the character, “The first thing she saw me do […] was to hang up her little dog; and when she pleaded for it, the first words I uttered were a wish that I had the hanging of every being belonging to her, except one” (Bronte 132). Although Isabella pleaded with him not to do such a horrid action, all he said in response was that he hoped he could kill everybody she adored and for whom she had a deep love. This illustrates how, being the victim himself, Heathcliff does not feel even a slight bit of remorse and tortures those who cannot retaliate.
Another example of Heathcliff’s villainous and egoistical nature is hoping that the soul of Isabella never rests in peace after her death. He prays, “Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living – You said I killed you—haunt me, then!” (Bronte 146). This shows that Heathcliff does not care for anyone in his life and only wishes for good and comfort for himself. After having a child with his wife, he has no pity for her, and after her death wishes her to be tormented.
Lastly, being such a bitter person, he holds revengeful plans against Hindley, and the only character motivation, and purpose in his life, might be this vengeance. As Heathcliff admitted, “I don’t care how long I wait if only to do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do” (Bronte 53). This indicates that, in reality, after becoming better acquainted with Heathcliff, he is mostly perceived as an archetypal character who fits into the category of villain.
Conclusion
In sum, Heathcliff depicts the resentful, unpleasant, selfish, and vindictive side of humanity after suffering the unfairness of the world and giving in to the darkness. Indeed, it is clear why Heathcliff appeals to readers as a familiar and sympathetic figure. This is due to his orphan background, constant abuse from Hindley, and inability to marry the love of his life. However, a detailed examination of the protagonist reveals that he is only a villain, and his role as a victim in some circumstances does not excuse his horrible deeds. The author demonstrates Heathcliff’s callous disdain for his wife’s sentiments and hanging Isabella’s dog is likely what pushed him. Another manifestation of Heathcliff’s evil and egotistical personality is his desire for Isabella’s spirit to suffer after her passing. Finally, because he is such a bitter person, he has plans to exact revenge on Hindley, and this vengeance may be the only motivation that drives him or gives him meaning in life.
Work Cited
Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. United States, Harper & Brothers, 1858.