Heathcliff Tragic Hero

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Emily Bronte, the author, says, “Treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound to those who resort to them worse than their enemies.” The author showcases tragic flaws through the characters, which propels the novel. The gothic scenery of Wuthering Heights resembles the character’s persona profoundly. The protagonist, Heathcliff, demonstrates self-destruction and evokes distrusting feelings toward the residents. Heathcliff exhibits characteristics of a tragic hero and his actions cause his downfall. His ambition to seize the property of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange provokes his cruel attitudes. Overall, his fatal attraction for revenge unleashes his frustration impairing himself profoundly. The transition…show more content…
Mr. Earnshaw, the initial proprietor of Wuthering Heights, escorts a grimy orphan from Liverpool into his house. Heathcliff, an orphan, is described as “a dirty, ragged, black-haired child.” He is an obedient, sullen adolescent and respects the residents in Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff transitions into a higher status and accustoms in his new lifestyle. Mr. Earnshaw’s children, Hindley and Catherine, mistreat Heathcliff constantly and deny his presence. Nelly, the narrator, says, “Heathcliff would stand Hindley’s blows without a wink or shedding a tear, and my pinches moved him only to draw in a breath and open his eyes.” (pg 44) Heathcliff resists Hindley’s abuse and remains silent in Wuthering Heights. Hindley’s opposition of Heathcliff sets in motion the vengeance in Wuthering Heights. Overall, Heathcliff’s fatal attraction for revenge against Hindley portrays him as a tragic hero. Heathcliff takes revenge on Hindley by becoming the proprietor of…show more content…
Heathcliff’s pride in possessing Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange is apparent. His satisfaction in accomplishing his plan to conquer the households is seen in the novel. Heathcliff is an arrogant individual and uses his insightful tactics as a means of revenge against the household. He composes clever plans to seize the property of his enemies. For instance, Heathcliff marries Isabella Linton and conceive a child, Linton Heathcliff. His transformation to a revengeful character is evident in Isabella’s marriage. Isabella Linton says, “Is Heathcliff a man? If so, is he mad? And if not, is he the devil?” (pg 161) Heathcliff weakens as character due to his pride over his properties. Moreover, he proposes a plan to inherit Thrushcross Grange and obliges his son to marry Catherine Linton. Eventually, Heathcliff is the proprietor of Thrushcross Grange due to his son’s marriage. Heathcliff characterizes as a tragic hero, and is a knowledgeable character in creating revengeful plans. Heathcliff’s pride leads to arrogance and his excessive satisfaction over himself prevents him from dealing with other issues in Wuthering Heights. His determination to seek revenge on the household weakens him internally. Overall, his excessive pride and intelligence of his mistakes develops Heathcliff as a tragic

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