Heathcliff As A Byronic Hero Analysis

Heathcliff, The Byronic Hero Not all heroes are righteous and alike. A traditional hero saves the day, helps people, and is accepted by almost everyone. There is another kind of hero called a Byronic hero. This kind of hero possesses dark qualities, ruins the day, and is typically an exile. Heathcliff’s passion for revenge and passion for love shows Heathcliff’s characterization of a Byronic Hero. Heathcliff is the Byronic hero in Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights.
One of the main characteristics of a Byronic hero is being passionate. One thing Heathcliff is passionate about is revenge. Heathcliff, Hindley’s adopted brother, hates Hindley because Hindley treats Heathcliff badly for most of his life. This hate causes Heathcliff’s …show more content…
Heathcliff also keeps Hareton uneducated. Nelly asks Hareton if Heathcliff teaches him to read and write, and Harteton responds with, ‘No, I was told the curate should have his - teeth dashed down his – throat, if he stepped over the threshold – Heathcliff had promised that!’ (110). Hindley abuses Heathcliff when he is younger, and after Hindley dies, Heathcliff does the same to Hareton. After Hindley dies, Heathcliff declares, ‘Now, my bonny lad, you are mine! And we’ll see if one tree won’t grow as crooked as another, with the same wind to twist it!” (187). This quote indicates that Heathcliff will continue with his plan for revenge because he is fervent about it. Hindley takes away Heathcliff’s childhood by treating him as a servant and causes him a great deal of suffering, causing him to retaliate. Hindley is not the only one to take something from Heathcliff, Edgar does too. Catherine is the only person Heathcliff loves. Since Edgar takes away that person from Heathcliff, Heathcliff does the same to Edgar. Heathcliff seeks revenge on Edgar after he finds out Isabella, Edgar’s sister, likes him. Heathcliff uses Isabella liking