Wuthering Heights - Understanding Heathcliff

Introduction

• Objective: To understand Heathcliff, a complex and misunderstood character in literature.
• Focus: Heathcliff the character, his motivations, and how readers should relate to him.

Part 1: Hero or Villain

Byronic Hero

• Byronic Hero: An archetype popularized by Lord Byron; mysterious, morally ambiguous, driven by self-interest rather than justice.
• Heathcliff's Traits: Mysterious, morally ambiguous, fits many traits of a Byronic hero.
• Bronte's Critique: Bronte mocks the idea of Heathcliff as a hero through characters Isabella and Catherine.

Villain

• Villainous Actions: Engages in vengeful and terrible acts, especially in the second volume.
• Interference with Happy Ending: Prevents Kathy and Hareton's happy ending until his death.
• Bronte’s Stance: Does not mock the idea of Heathcliff as a villain but presents him as more complex than a traditional villain.
• Complex Characters: All characters have moments of good and bad; no true heroes or villains in Wuthering Heights.

Part 2: Humanizing Heathcliff

Subjectivity of Narrative

• Subjective Narration: Told from biased perspectives, especially via Nelly; events are long after they happened.
• Mythologizing: Heathcliff and Catherine's characters are mythologized in the story.

Heathcliff’s Background

• Lack of Compassion: Heathcliff’s childhood lacks love and education; briefly favored by Mr. Earnshaw.
• No Redemption: Consistently denied moments of redemption and care.
• Comparison with Other Characters: Catherine receives some care and education, contrasting with Heathcliff's neglect.
• Heathcliff's Stunted Emotional Growth: Due to lack of guidance, remains primitive and wild.

Empathy and Understanding

• Abuse and Turn to Cruelty: Victim of unloving, abusive childhood; turns into an abuser.
• Primitive Desires: Heathcliff represents the untamed, violent side present in everyone.
• Import of Human Perspective: Empathy is crucial; he is a product of his environment and upbringing.

Part 3: The Sad Irony of Heathcliff

Rejection and Embrace of Vengeance

• Initial Rejection of Religion: Rejects Joseph’s hypocritical Christianity.
• Irony: Becomes vengeful and embodies Old Testament-like vengeance.

Generational Cycle

• Predetermined Fates: Characters are confined to the fates of their upbringing.
• Destruction through Revenge: Heathcliff’s vengeance ultimately destroys him and Catherine.

Conclusion

Complex Character

• Neither Hero nor Villain: Neither fits fully as a hero or villain; a victim turned abuser.
• Human Flaws: Represents the complexity of human nature and the impact of a harsh upbringing.
• Filtered Story: His story is biased due to the narrators' perspectives and mythologizing.
• Empathy: Understanding Heathcliff’s background and trauma is essential before passing judgment.