How Is Heathcliff A Gothic Hero

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At a first glance, when reading Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, one might consider it the epitome of Gothic Romance. Along with other classics such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights can be characterized by its defining features that gives it the Gothic Romantic name. From its isolated setting on the Yorkshire moors to its classic Byronic hero Heathcliff, it is no wonder why when many people think of Wuthering Heights they think of the Gothic aspects it carries. However, one should not judge too quickly, as Wuthering Heights contains fairy tale elements as well. From a hero or heroine who overcomes obstacles to ‘live happily ever after’ - on par with Wuthering Heights’ ending of Cathy and Hareton …show more content…

Furthermore, the heartbreaking separation between the two upon Catherine’s death and the ultimate downfall of Heathcliff as a character. Innocent at first when arriving to Wuthering Heights with Mr. Earnshaw, he was forced to however face the mistreatment of Hindley, humiliated, beaten , and kept filthy. The only light in his life is Cathy, the daughter of the Earnshaw household, with whom he makes a pact to love they will love each other into eternity. But she grows up, goes off to become a lady, and he is left alone and in despair. This despair is only worsened upon Catherine’s death. Unable to cope with the loss of his loved one, seeking out revenge to those who he thinks has wronged him justified or not, Heathcliff is turned to almost insane. One notable scene describes how Heathcliff digs up Catherine’s grave and with the hinted necrophilia aside, he attempts to try and communicate with her as he sobs, "Come in! Come in! Cathy, do come. Oh, do—once more! Oh! My heart's darling, hear me this time—Catherine, at last!" (Bronte X). The King in Rumpelstiltskin also experiences his own downfall. Once being proven that the miller’s daughter can spin straw into gold, his desire for more riches causes the miller’ daughter to be forced to spin more straw. The never-ending greed of the King as he asks for more and more golden wool from the miller’s daughter causes the miller’s daughter to be more indebted to Rumpelstiltskin, ultimately forcing her to give her first born child

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