The Importance Of Personality In Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights raises a question about the defensibility of personality: can wrongdoings be explained and forgiven by backstory? Do the choices one makes define how “evil” one is, and are they destined to happen? Can anyone’s identity be seen as solely malevolent? If so, why is Heathcliff a prime example? When questioning the effects of one’s inherent personality and past on their current choices, the answer clears: although Heathcliff was raised in a household that did not treat him well nor teach him how to act appropriately in social situations, he makes no effort to better himself and revels in torturous activities, establishing his irrevocably evil disposition. Thus, Brontë’s opinion shines through in that a person’s

He was treated poorly as a child and was raised to have a negative outlook on life, inspiring his permanently disagreeable adult personality. This continued state of negative being can be seen in other characters as well. His early life is similar to Cathy Linton’s in the sense that she parallels her mother, Catherine, since she was born to her and is treated like her. She is born to have her specific characteristics, but also grows in a situation in which her household treats her like Catherine. Both Heathcliff and Cathy are destined for their lifestyles, as their pasts are not due to their personal actions. This can also be seen in Linton Heathcliff, who is perpetually weak from birth. Although Heathcliff attempts to raise him to be abusive, he fails, and Linton remains a wailing brat. This shows that the effects of childhood last long into adulthood, and what is established in early life cannot be

Brontë promotes the fact that personality is indicated in early age, in that while a person’s upbringing affects their outlook, the heart of the disposition is given at birth. If one is evil, it has been decided beforehand, and anyone wicked cannot be forgiven. Brontë’s views on personality can be interpreted as an argument for the innate qualities of humankind and its ultimate regard for the mind. While she acknowledges Heathcliff’s past and lack of assistance, Brontë implies that childhood is not the only indicator of lifestyle, and that an adjustment of mindset must be made as an active choice. There is satisfaction in that he never receives a redemption arc, nor does any character forgive him during his lifetime. By emphasizing his true nature, a statement is made in that fate will occur if unimpeded, and a lack of effort lets destiny continue its path. These examples of unforgiveness establish the idea that Heathcliff is an evil human from the beginning who will never be