Dorian Gray Innocence

Throughout numerous works of literature, a plethora of authors have strategically exemplified the transition from a state of innocence to one of experience within their characters. Such a conversion manifests itself through the evolution that transpires once characters are no longer sheltered from the true nature of their surroundings. Through witnessing or experiencing cruelty firsthand, characters evolve little by little until they obtain knowledge that greatly differs from the innocence that they once acquired. These characters withstand a journey that strips them of their guiltlessness as they gain exposure to new and unfamiliar experiences. Described as a state of moral purity and vulnerability, innocence symbolizes a general lack of awareness

in a character concerning such experiences. Once they become aware of them, however, they embark on a transition that alters their lives; following the transition from innocence to experience, everything from a character’s beliefs to his/her actions are completely altered. This process cannot be reversed and signifies the growth that every character must undergo.

In Wuthering Heights and The Picture of Dorian Gray, both Emily Bronte and Oscar Wilde display the loss of innocence within their characters and thus reveal the inevitability of this transition.

A loss of innocence denotes the loss of distinctions that associate one with chastity and virtue, often common among the beginning stages of life. Thus, childhood remains central to the development of Wuthering Heights throughout the entirety of the novel. In the beginning, the narration focuses on the early life of Heathcliff, who endures suffering when he is first ostracized by his new family. Although he is adopted by a wealthy Englishman named Mr. Hareton Earnshaw, Heathcliff experiences difficulties during the dawn of his adolescence. To commence his loss of purity is the contempt that Catherine and Hindley-Mr. Earnshaw’s children- have toward him upon his arrival at the family’s home. At one point, Nelly tells Lockwood that Heathcliff “‘bred bad feeling in the house’” the moment he arrived (55). Both Catherine and Hindley originally have an aversion to the child and resent his presence within the family. Although Catherine eventually learns to love Heathcliff, a more

reluctant Hindley continues to have animosity toward him. Referring to him as a “gipsy,” “wicked boy,” and “villain” among other things, Hindley- along with Mrs. Earnshaw- never showed any signs of this animosity faltering. In fact, Nelly states that “‘[Heathcliff] seemed a sullen, patient child; hardened, perhaps, to ill-treatment: he would stand Hindley's blows without winking or shedding a tear’’’ (59). This torture is significant in Heathcliff’s transition into an experienced being, because he is exposed to a magnified form of hatred at such a tender age. Outside of the household alone, townsfolk who are appalled by his dark complexion never accept him, just as select members of his “family” do not. In general, most children are unaware of the existence of such callousness in the world, and are thus scarred when they are the recipient of it. Heathcliff’s suffering introduces him to the great depths of hostility that can exist within a person, and thus sheds light on the cruel nature of the human race. This realization at such a young age expedites his passage from innocence to experience within the novel. His arrival at a state of experience is demonstrated through his perpetual attempts at vengeance towards those who hurt him as a child. He states, “‘I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!’” (69). Heathcliff’s hastened transition to experience at the hands of his environment and childhood contributes to the novel as a whole, as it spurs the birth of his evil persona-demonstrated above- which is prevalent throughout a majority of the story.
Furthermore inciting Heathcliff's transition from innocence to experience is the tormented romance that he experiences with Catherine within the course of the novel.

Growing up, Heathcliff and Catherine acquire an adoration for one another. Nelly describes Catherine as “‘much too fond of Heathcliff,’” stating that the “‘greatest punishment we could invent for her was to keep her separate for him’” (42). Heathcliff’s life takes a turn for the worse after Catherine returns from the Linton manor proclaiming her love for Edgar Linton. After some time, she accepts a marriage proposal from Edgar, symbolizing a turning point in Heathcliff’s development as a character. After hearing this news, Heathcliff is devastated and opts to leave Wuthering Heights to fend for himself. Following this, their relationship evolves and becomes more and more complex, depicted by the intricate narration throughout the novel. Despite the fact that she marries Edgar, however, Catherine states that Heathcliff is more herself than she (50). She exclaims, “‘Whatever our souls are made of, [Heathcliff’s] and mine are the same, and [Edgar’s] is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire’” (50). Perhaps the most tragic aspect of the complicated relationship that Heathcliff and Catherine share is the fact that they are never truly together despite their mutual love for one another. This in itself allows Heathcliff to transition from innocence to experience, because he is not only exposed to

love, but also to heartbreak. The transition is intensified because Heathcliff learns the hardest lesson of all: love on its own is not enough to sustain a relationship. Their doomed love is in fact the greatest form of torture Heathcliff endures. This subsequently hardens him and only fuels his existing desire for vengeance upon those who have wronged him. Upon returning to Wuthering Heights, he makes it his mission not only to repay Hindley for the torture he caused him, but also to get revenge on Edgar Linton, who took Catherine away from him. This is the driving force behind Heathcliff’s efforts to obtain Thrushcross Grange. Even long after Catherine’s death, Heathcliff cannot seem to escape her image. At first, he begs her not to leave him, stating that he would rather have her haunt him than to leave his presence. This symbolizes his deep love for her, because whether she is comforting him or haunting him, he still yearns for her presence. Such infatuation with another human signifies the loss of a lack of awareness and instead depicts maturity. He later states, “‘I cannot look down to this floor, but her features are shaped on the flags! In every cloud, in every tree—filling the air at night, and caught by glimpses in every object by day, I am surrounded with her image! The entire world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist, and that I have lost her!’” (115). Eventually, Heathcliff begins to imagine that he is seeing Catherine’s ghost, and even begins speaking to the apparition. His dreadful experience following the loss of his love is a defining moment in his shift into experience, and contributes to the novel through the lasting effect it has on his actions.