Hindley and Hindley’s wife were of the people to whom Heathcliff looked to effect. However he also felt betrayed by Catherine for not loving him and being with him despite their history and feelings towards each other. Cruelty in Wuthering Heights is not just the cruelty that comes from abuse or mistreatment but also the social cruelty one can evoke on another's heart.
In Hindley’s circumstance, his acts of cruelty come from a place of abandonment. His desire to be his father’s favorite was intercepted by Heathcliff. Instead of trying to better himself, Hindley too decided to have someone else take the blame and be punished.His actions towards Heathcliff acted as a self esteem booster as well as a filler for a void of his own post. Two sides of Heathcliff's character were revealed as a result of the cruelty shown toward hi. His ability to follow Hindley’s orders convey his self control. The long term effects of his mistreatment, reveal a much darker side. He is unable to move on with his life knowing that there are no consequences for hindley’s action towards