Wuthering Heights Research Paper

Revenge can be found in many forms, whether it be in real life, movies, or novels. Perhaps one of the most recognized novels dealing with revenge is the classic, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Revenge is prevalent in the novel, and can be noted especially in the lives of the characters living in Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. Heathcliff, the Byronic hero of the novel, is infamous for his need for revenge. Heathcliff’s desire not only drives the plot of the novel, but it teaches the devastating effects that revenge can have on those who feel wronged. Wuthering Heights focuses on the life of Heathcliff, an enigmatic, gypsy-esque person, from when he was about seven years old to his death around the age of forty. Heathcliff is

Heathcliff’s brutal exacting of revenge leads to downfalls in his once quiet, passive nature. When Heathcliff was young, the book explains that he was not whining or complaining like his peers. The older Heathcliff could be considered mean spirited since he tries to raze the lives of the people he hates. Heathcliff courts Isabella and eventually marries her. Once they are wed, he begins to be abusive and hateful. He treats her like a lesser human being which causes her to be driven away. He knowingly broke the family ties between Isabella and Edgar, leaving Edgar without an heir. When Edgar’s daughter, Cathy, grows older, he forces Cathy and his son, Linton to wed. After Linton dies, he keeps Cathy as a prisoner and servant at Wuthering Heights. The aforementioned actions are proof of his vicious, dark hearted

Heathcliff's love for Catherine allows him to put up with Hindley's tormenting after Mr. Earnshaw died. He hears Catherine say in private to Nelly Dean that she can not marry Heathcliff, so he leaves. His life away from her was not mentioned in details, but it is known that when he returns, he is wealthy and well educated. Heathcliff tries to be apart of the social circle that Catherine is drawn to. When he comes back, Catherine believes that she loves Heathcliff more than she does Edgar, but Heathcliff still is unable to have her. He is omnipresent, especially at Thrushcross Grange. He visits late at night and at odd hours. He even goes as far as to be buried in a grave that is connected to Catherine’s, so their bodies will decompose together. Ironically, his need for revenge takes precedence over his obsession with Catherine; therefore, he truly doesn’t forgive her for choosing Edgar over him. When Catherine dies, he continues his revenge. Heathcliff takes everything that is Edgar's. Although Heathcliff constantly relays his love for Catherine, he feels no remorse when attempting to ruin her daughter’s life. He believes the world is ambiguous and that he has been an outsider for all of his life. This drives him to take everything away from the people living at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange who originally did not welcome him with open arms. For Heathcliff, revenge is a more powerful emotion than