A Different Perspective of Heathcliff Essay -- Character Analysis, Hea

What is a traditional hero? In many works of literature, the author portrays a character that is faced with many difficult obstacles, in which the character often prevails and becomes a hero. The challenges, which the character undergoes, allows the reader to appreciate the character due to their bravery, courage, and their willingness to sacrifice. In Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontà «, many readers are able to view Heathcliff as a hero, but how? Heathcliff is not a traditional hero. In fact, the term Byronic hero, would fit Heathcliff’s description in every aspect. Now, what are the characteristics of a Byronic hero? In order to be classified as a Byronic hero, the character needs to display: a high level of intelligence, a troubled past, emotional conflicts, a disliking of social restraints or rules, the status of a social outcast, dark attributes, a taste for vengeance, but most importantly, with all of the negative attributes, the character has the ability to show strong affection for another. These traits are the outline to the plot of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff resides in the country of Yorkshire, where his estate, Wuthering Heights, is â€Å"completely removed from the stir of society†(Brontà «, 1). Heathcliff enjoys solitude and â€Å"guests are so exceedingly rare in this house†(6), and becomes irritated when guests do visit, wishing â€Å"no repetition of my intrusion†(7). Heathcliff acquires the dark attributes in the novel as if â€Å"a ray fell on his features†(101), stating at the beginning, Heathcliff came from a poverty-stricken country of Liverpool as a â€Å"wicked boy†(53) with â€Å"black eyes†(1), â€Å"black hair†(38), and being â€Å"dirty†(38). With Heathcliff coming from a different nationality, his childhood was uneasy. Hindley, Heathcliff... ...everyone was meaningless, â€Å"I have lost the faculty of enjoying their destruction†(355), and the only thing that will ever bring himself happiness, is to be with his love, Catherine. Many readers view Heathcliff’s actions as absurd, inappropriate, and outrageous. Readers feel Heathcliff hasâ€Å"†¦come from the devil†(38) due to his actions. On the other hand, some readers feel sympathy for Heathcliff and understand that a rough childhood and the loss of his true love to another man justifies his actions. Heathcliff holds all the traits of a Byronic hero: the dark characteristics, a taste for vengeance, emotional conflicts, but with all the flaws, Heathcliff is still capable of being passionate and the ability to show strong affection for Catherine. Heathcliff is no ordinary traditional hero, but in Lord Byron’s eyes, he is the perfect example of a Byronic Hero.