The Traits of Heathclif in Wuthering Heights Essay

In Emily Brontà «s book, Wuthering Heights, we, the reader, are introduced to a group of interesting characters. The antiheroic main character, Heathcliff, is a complex character with many distinguishing traits. Heathcliff acts upon his feelings and creates quite a reputation for himself. Heathcliff is full of vengeance, nonetheless, he is very loving. Heathcliffs vengeance is shown and proven throughout the book. Even as a child Heathcliff would say things such as, Im trying to settle how I shall pay-back. I dont care how long I wait, if I can only do it, at last. I hope he will not die before I do?No, God won?t have the satisfaction that I shall?I only wish I knew the best way! Let me alone, and I?ll plan it out: while I?m†¦show more content†¦Hindley?s father favored Heathcliff, causing Hindley to dislike Heathcliff. Hindley treated Heathcliff as a nonentity and didn?t care about what happened to him. Heathcliff didn?t forget this, and when he got older he began to ga mble with Hindley. Hindley would gamble because after the birth of his son, Hareton, his if died and caused him to go mad. Heathcliff gambled with Hindley until his death, which got Hindley into debt. At this point, Heathcliff says to Hareton ?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.? (Brontà « 175) This means that Heathcliff?s revenge on Hindley was on his son. Although this took a long time, Heathcliff kept his word and got the revenge he deserved. Although it seems like Heathcliff?s want for revenge takes over him often, Heathcliff is also a very loving individual. The love of his life, Catherine, expresses her love to Heathcliff, but then goes to marry someone else. Catherine leaves Heathcliff heartbroken, but his unconditional love doesn?t fail her. Right after Catherine?s death Heathcliff says ?Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest, as long as I am living!?haunt me?Be with me always-- tak e any form-- drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!?I cannot live without my life. I cannot live without my soul.? (Brontà « 156-157) This shows that even though Catherine tells