As a Latin proverb states, “revenge is a confession of pain.” The main character, Heathcliff, is a victim of a broken heart; in which, constructs feelings of inflicting pain on the ones who cause his suffering. In Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is tremendously affected by the characters in the story that spawn his reasons for vengeance. Initially, Hindley views Heathcliff as a usurper of Hindley’s position as Mr. Earnshaw’s son, and quickly begins to display signs of animosity toward him. Subsequently, Catherine’s decision to separate herself from him fuels his revengeful schemes. Ultimately, the cruel, superior actions manifested by Edgar prove aggravating and unacceptable to Heathcliff.
As Hindley treats Heathcliff horribly for taking the place of his father’s son, this creates massive agony in Heathcliff resulting in a wretched home within Wuthering Heights. Hindley also has a desire for revenge and “swears he will reduce him to his right place.” His jealousy takes over and promises to set Heathcliff straight by commencing a series of mistreatment and abuse. Another method of how Hindley demonstrates his loathing of Heathcliff is his commands to have him work as diligent as a servant. He forces him to “labour out of doors” and constantly “do as hard as any other lad on the farm.” This punishment is barbarous because a man should not harass his sibling to labor on a field. Lastly, Hindley’s realization of Heathcliff and Catherine’s late night stroll brings upon new measures of wickedness to his mind. The “luckless adventure made [him] furious” so he encourages the opportunity for Catherine to obtain an extended visit at the Linton’s household. Misery occurs in Heathcliff because of this great chance to separate the two lovers.
In the times of Heathcliff’s infatuation for Catherine, her separation from him transforms her into a woman of improvement that boosts her standards greater than Heathcliff can provide her