The character of Heathcliff in Emily Bronte's classic
Wuthering Heights could be considered a realistic character with a
deep and disturbing set of complexes that transformed him negatively. Yet, it is this
very transformation what is used as a Gothic literary technique to demonstrate the main
aspects of Gothic literature
- a) a reversal for
the worse, - b) the inevitability of faith,
- c) a disturbance of emotions,
- d) a deadly or crippling problem that ends with the
peace of the main character.
Therefore, we can
conclude that Heathcliff is a realistic character whose internal demons and horrid
experiences growing up molded him into a psychotic and sadistic man. This helps to
represent the depth of his grief and the intensity of his
hatred.
We must remember that Heathcliff is a gypsy, whose
origin is mysterious. Many claimed that his mother was the lover of the lord of the
manor, who later rescued him, raised him, and loved him as his own
son.
However, he radically switched from an accepting and
loving home to a living hades after Mr. Earnshaw dies and his eldest son, Hindley, takes
over the manor. The hateful and sadistic way in which Hindleymistreats Heathcliff
creates a deep disdain in Heathcliff. This leads him to question his social position,
the power of money, his worth as a person, and his love for Catherine Earnshaw. When
Catherine chooses another man to marry (Edgar) for fear of being degraded by marrying a
gypsy, Heathcliff's life begins to spiral out of
control.
We know that Heathcliff returns to Wuthering
Heights a rich man, with power. So much power that he even handles people whichever way
he wants, and ends up even taking over the manor. Yet, he never gets to have Catherine.
He has everything, both love and hatred, power and submission- but no
Catherine.
Hence, Heathcliff clearly could represent a
demonic transformation caused by social injustice and plenty of failures. The thing that
happens when people are overpowered by an ambition that knows no
boundaries.
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