Revenge in Literature: Insights from Paradise Lost

The concept of revenge has prevailed as an integral component of literature, exemplified in Paradise Lost written by John Milton among other works. In Paradise Lost, Satan acts as the main proponent of revenge. The actions of his character create the basis for a Miltonic ideal of revenge, later modified by Emily Brontë and Mary Shelley. Wuthering Heights written by Brontë presents Heathcliff as a modernization of Satan. The characters share the experience of evolving from their lives as outcasts within their societies by means of revenge. The monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein romanticizes the Miltonic concept of revenge found in Paradise Lost. Although the creation and experiences of Satan and the monster differ, their premises for

Unlike Satan, the premises of the revenge of Heathcliff take root in his childhood, rather than in a specific moment. Heathcliff grows up with the Earnshaws, a family with two children, Catherine and Hindley. Mr. Earnshaw especially favored Heathcliff, although not related by blood. Because of the favoritism shown, Hindley expresses his anger by antagonizing Heathcliff. In a letter written by the young Catherine Earnshaw, she states that Hindley “has been blaming our father (how dared he?) for treating H. too liberally; and swears he will reduce him to his right place” (Brontë 22). The love of Heathcliff for Catherine helps him survive the time during his childhood after the death of Mr. Earnshaw. However, the “social and intellectual meanness” of Hindley “produces a Heathcliff whose manner and intellect Catherine finds unacceptable” (Vargish 10). Heathcliff does not accept the harsh treatment he receives, as he states “I’m trying to settle how I should 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!” (Brontë 61). When Nelly tells Heathcliff that God should punish, Heathcliff responds by saying that “God won’t have the satisfaction that I shall” (Brontë 61). The thirst for vengeance Heathcliff harbors has begun to grow into a

Edgar Linton, who resided at Thrushcross Grange, representative of Paradise, whereas Wuthering Heights constitutes Hell, began courting Catherine. Catherine chooses Edgar Linton to marry, even after Heathcliff tells Nelly Dean “make me decent, I’m going to be good” (Brontë 56). The ultimate point of betrayal between their strong childhood bond occurred when Heathcliff heard Catherine telling Nelly Dean that she could not marry Heathcliff because Edgar Linton “will be rich, and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighborhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband” (Brontë 78). Heathcliff leaves shortly after hearing such news, bearing resemblance to the reaction of Satan after he did not receive the kingship granted to the son of God. Heathcliff returns with money, something he lacked before his mysterious excursion. Despite the idea that money is equivalent to power in his Victorian society, Heathcliff remains dissatisfied and continues to seek revenge for the wrongdoings he endured during his childhood. Heathcliff does not wish to embark on the pursuit of glory that Satan sought after. However, much like Satan, he begins to make other people miserable on account of his own