Is Heathcliff Succumbing To Human Nature - 1337 Words

Consistent with most of Emily Bronte’s characters in Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff â€Å"is a manifestation of natural forces acting involuntarily under the pressure of his own nature† (Pittock 147). As such, Heathcliff succumbs to his ‘nature’ and reacts without empathy or respect for others. Throughout the novel, the characters, along with readers and critics, question Heathcliff’s ‘nature’. Is Heathcliff succumbing to human nature? Or is he not human at all? Going with the perception of the novel as a sublime take on reality, Heathcliff represents sublime humanity. People characterize themselves as civilized and moral, but conveniently overlook the unpleasant truths of civilization. Heathcliff exists in Wuthering Heights as a fully honest,†¦show more content†¦Seeing Edgar block his progress towards a life with Catherine, Heathcliff loses his example of kindness and love. Heathcliff does not know how to handle his emotions, s o he lashes out in aggression towards Isabella. In her letter to Nelly, Isabella confesses Heathcliff â€Å"[rouses]† as much terror in her as â€Å"a tiger or a venomous serpent†; later, Isabella laments â€Å"[giving] him her heart† only for him to â€Å"pinch it to death† (Bronte 144 170). Isabella falls victim to Heathcliff’s post-heartbreak rage and egotism. Ultimately, Heathcliff has a â€Å"desire to destroy others† due to his frustration from losing Catherine (Pittock 153). Heathcliff’s â€Å"full union† could â€Å"only be achieved† through a requited love with Catherine, so his â€Å"yearning for transcendence† legitimizes his â€Å"cruelties† (Pittock 154). Heathcliff sees full release from his own status as a dark-skinned orphan through Catherine: his idol of perfection and superiority. Typical to human’s battle with lust, love, and desire, Heathcliff and Catherine’s unhealthy, realistic relationship demonstrates Heathcliff’s â€Å"masochistic† nature (Goff 504). Heathcliff and Catherine have an undeniable connection for each other, but jealousy and complications of life creep into their relationship and spoil its pureness. Although Catherine admits, â€Å"[she is] Heathcliff†, he â€Å"always [consumes her] mind†, and