(BLOCK-3) (UNIT-3) GIFT OF GOD’: HEATHCLIFF

1. What is the significance of Heathcliff’s dark complexion? What similarities can you draw between Heathcliff and Othello? Can you think of any other character with similar features? Do you know of any popular romance writing where the hero is often depicted as 'tall dark and handsome'?

Heathcliff's dark complexion is significant because it sets him apart from the other characters in the novel, who are mostly fair-skinned. His appearance marks him as an outsider and suggests that he has come from a different place or background than the other characters. This makes him an object of fascination and fear for many of the other characters, particularly Catherine.

There are some similarities between Heathcliff and Othello, particularly in terms of their outsider status and the way that their dark complexions mark them as different from the other characters. Both characters also struggle with issues of jealousy and possessiveness, which ultimately lead to their downfall.

One other character with similar features to Heathcliff is Jean Rhys's Mr. Rochester, the brooding and mysterious hero of Jane Eyre. Like Heathcliff, Rochester is described as having a dark complexion, and he is also an outsider in the sense that he is an Englishman living in Jamaica.

In popular romance writing, the "tall, dark, and handsome" hero is a common trope. This refers to a hero who is tall, with dark hair and a dark complexion, and is typically presented as strong, brooding, and mysterious. This trope can be seen in many romance novels, including the works of authors like Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, and Sylvia Day.

2. Heathcliff is often associated with Christian symbols of evil. What are Emily Bronte's views on religion and what do you make of Heathcliff from that perspective?

Emily Bronte's views on religion are complex and not easily reduced to a simple statement. On the one hand, she came from a family that was deeply religious and she herself was a devout Anglican. On the other hand, she was also known for her unconventional views and her willingness to challenge conventional beliefs.

In Wuthering Heights, Bronte uses Christian symbols in a number of ways, including to suggest Heathcliff's association with evil. For example, he is often described as having "dark" and "demon-like" features, which are reminiscent of traditional depictions of the devil. He is also associated with the devil through his association with the moors, which are often depicted as a place of darkness and danger.

However, it's important to note that Bronte's use of Christian symbols is not straightforward or simplistic. For example, the character of Catherine is associated with both heaven and hell, suggesting that the boundaries between good and evil are not always clear. Additionally, the novel can be read as a critique of certain aspects of Christianity, such as the idea of original sin and the belief that redemption can only come through suffering.

From this perspective, Heathcliff can be seen as a complex and multifaceted character who cannot be easily reduced to a symbol of evil. While he certainly engages in cruel and destructive behavior throughout the novel, he is also shown to have moments of vulnerability and tenderness. Additionally, his association with the moors and his love of nature suggest that he is not entirely devoid of goodness. Ultimately, the novel's treatment of Heathcliff is ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting Bronte's own complex views on religion and morality.

3. Heathcliff brutalizes Hareton the same way that he was brutalized by Hindley. But Hareton does not go the Heathcliff way. Why? Give reasons for your answer.

Heathcliff brutalizes Hareton in much the same way that he himself was brutalized by Hindley as a child. However, while Heathcliff became vengeful and bitter as a result of this treatment, Hareton is able to rise above it and ultimately becomes a sympathetic and likable character.

There are several reasons why Hareton is able to overcome the cycle of abuse that Heathcliff was caught in. One key factor is his relationship with Cathy, which helps him to develop a sense of empathy and kindness that Heathcliff lacked. Unlike Heathcliff, who was isolated and alone for much of his life, Hareton has someone who cares about him and is willing to treat him with compassion.

Another factor is Hareton's upbringing. While he is initially raised by Heathcliff in an environment of neglect and cruelty, he is eventually taken in by Cathy and given a more stable and loving home. This helps to mitigate the damage that was done to him earlier in his life and gives him a chance to develop more positive qualities.

Finally, it's worth noting that Hareton is a different person than Heathcliff in many ways. While they both experience similar forms of abuse, they have different personalities and temperaments that lead them to respond to these experiences in different ways. Hareton is a more easygoing and good-natured person than Heathcliff, and this makes him less likely to become embittered by his experiences.

Overall, the reasons why Hareton is able to overcome the abuse he suffers at the hands of Heathcliff are complex and multifaceted. However, they ultimately come down to a combination of factors, including his relationships with other characters, his upbringing, and his innate personality traits.

4. What do you understand by suffering? Does Heathcliff suffer or does he inflict suffering? Discuss.

Suffering is a broad and complex concept that can refer to a wide range of experiences, including physical pain, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and spiritual turmoil. At its core, suffering involves a sense of pain or discomfort that is deeply felt and difficult to alleviate.

In the case of Heathcliff, it can be argued that he both suffers and inflicts suffering. On the one hand, he experiences a great deal of emotional pain throughout the novel, particularly in relation to his unrequited love for Catherine. He is also subjected to abuse and mistreatment at the hands of Hindley, which causes him significant emotional and psychological trauma.

At the same time, however, Heathcliff is also a source of suffering for many of the other characters in the novel. He engages in cruel and manipulative behavior throughout the story, including taking revenge on those who have wronged him and using others as pawns in his schemes. This behavior causes significant pain and distress for the other characters, particularly those who are closest to him.

One of the central themes of Wuthering Heights is the idea that suffering is often cyclical and self-perpetuating. Heathcliff is a prime example of this, as he both suffers and inflicts suffering in a way that perpetuates a cycle of pain and trauma. However, it's worth noting that the novel also suggests that it is possible to break out of this cycle, as seen in the example of Hareton, who is able to rise above his own experiences of abuse and become a more compassionate and empathetic person.

5. Do you think Heathcliff is real? Does the novel present him as a realistic character or is he only symbolic? 

Heathcliff is a complex and multifaceted character, and it's difficult to say whether he is intended to be seen as "real" or purely symbolic in Wuthering Heights. On the one hand, he is portrayed in a highly realistic and detailed manner throughout the novel, with his motivations, emotions, and actions all being carefully delineated by the author. He is depicted as a complex and conflicted individual who is driven by a deep sense of passion and a desire for revenge.

At the same time, however, there are also elements of Heathcliff's character that suggest a more symbolic or allegorical interpretation. For example, his dark and brooding demeanor, as well as his association with the natural world, can be seen as representing certain archetypes or symbols of literary tradition.

Ultimately, the question of whether Heathcliff is "real" or symbolic may be beside the point, as he functions effectively as a character regardless of how he is interpreted. He is a memorable and compelling figure who embodies a range of human emotions and experiences, and his presence in the novel is central to its themes and narrative structure. Whether seen as real or symbolic, he is a character that continues to resonate with readers and provoke discussion and debate.