Justified Revenge

A detailed Summary of Justified Revenge

There are many themes to Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. However, the most dominant theme is that of revenge. This is especially true in the second half of the book when Heathcliff's malicious plan of revenge comes to life. Many believe Heathcliff to be inhuman, some even describe him as sadistic and demonic. "Heathcliff's revenge may involve a pathological condition of hatred, but it is not at bottom merely neurotic. It has a moral force." (Kettle 121) Still, those who sympathize with Heathcliff realize the turmoil he has suffered. "Though he is inhuman, we understand why he is inhuman" (Kettle 121). When Heathcliff is introduced to the family for the first time, Mr. Earnshaw describes him as; "...it's as dark almost as if it came from the devil" (Bronte 61). Harold Bloom states that Heathcliff's "mysterious origin makes him a social outcast...and his destitute adolescence creates a stoical, calculating temperament" (Bloom 22). However, these items alone are not reason enough to justify Heathcliff's vengeance. The justifications for such vindictive actions were brought about after many years of tolerating cruel mistreatment from Hindley, his love for Catherine, and his hatred and jealousy of the

The conflict here is, quite explicitly, a social one. Thrushcross Grange, embodying as it does the prettier, more comfortable side of bourgeois life, seduced Catherine. She begins to despise Heathcliff's lack of 'culture'. He has no conversation, he does not brush his hair, he is dirty, whereas Edgar, besides is handsome, "will be rich and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband." (Kettle 117)

From the day Mr. Earnshaw brings Heathcliff into the house and names him after his first bore son that died years ago, Hindley despises him. When Mr. Earnshaw returns from his trip to Liverpool, he is to bring gifts for Hindley and Catherine. Yet, when they find that there gifts are destroyed and instead he brings home a "gypsy child' they are quick to blame the newcomer. Mr. Earnshaw has the highest regard for Heathcliff and is quick to discipline anyone who disrespects him. And thus begins Hindley's humiliation of Heathcliff. As children, Heathcliff's horse fell lame and he threatens to tell Mr. Earnshaw of Hindley's previous thrashings if he does not give him his pony. Only after Heathcliff tolerates another beating, does Hindley give up his pony. He then tells Heathcliff:

Take my colt, gypsy then! And I pray that he may break your neck: take him, and be damned, you beggarly interloper! And wheedle my father out of all he has: only after wards show him what you are, imp of Satan.-And take that, I hope he'll kick out your brains! (Bronte 65)

Lewes, George Henry. Review of "Wuthering Heights" in "The Leader",

Vol. 1, No. 30. Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism. Vol. 16.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1361
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English