How Is Heathcliff Presented As A Byronic Hero

In Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff, the protagonist, is depicted as an evil, corrupt monster troubled by his inability to be accepted by his surroundings. Although on the surface, he appears to be evil and indifferent by nature; it is actually his desire to be welcomed into the Earnshaw family and his infatuation with his lover, Catherine, that result in his emotional deterioration, vindictive hatred, and pursuit of revenge towards those around him. This subjugated character, dark, haggard, and of lower class, is the embodiment of a Byronic Hero—he experiences moments of deep resentment and rejection, unable to transcend the negativity and feelings of ostracization. Despite his convoluted childhood, excessive alienation,

Moreover, his remorseless demeanor is an expression of his thwarted love for Catherine and his evil practices are a facade of his soft, longing heart. Critic Steven Vine highlights this reoccurring pattern in Heathcliff’s life— his inability to be accepted paired with his longing for love and a genuine connection— observing that, “When he is in he is out, and when he is incorporated he is also excluded” (43). Thus, Vine emphasizes Heathcliff’s helplessness in respect to societal expectations— wealthy, white, elite. However, Vine’s spoken theme of consistent rejection also applies to his relationship with his lover, Catherine: regardless of their young love, which appeared they were destined for one another, Catherine’s concern for wealth and social prominence obstructs their relationship. Catherine explicates her doubt about Heathcliff to Nelly stating that, “It would degrade [her] to marry Heathcliff, now” (92). When Heathcliff finally begins to unmask his passionate, warm-hearted inner self, he is immediately shut down after overhearing Catherine announce his disservice to her social status and expectations in a life partner. His humiliation, a result of heartbreak, prompts him to seek revenge on those he believes are deserving of it. Thus, this revenge and vengeance paired with ambivalent emotions encourage Heathcliff to act