"Heathcliff deserves the sympathy of the reader of Wuthering Heights."
Write a response to this statement, supporting your views by reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question A(i) - 2005
Question A(i)
"Heathcliff deserves the sympathy of the reader of Wuthering Heights."
Write a response to this statement, supporting your views by reference to the text.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"Heathcliff deserves the sympathy of the reader of Wuthering Heights."
Write a response to this statement, supporting your views by reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question A(i) - 2005
Step 1
Argument For Sympathy
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Answer
Heathcliff's character evokes sympathy due to his tragic childhood. He suffers immensely at the hands of Hindley, who treats him as an inferior. This deprivation of love and stability molds his resentful persona. The readers see Heathcliff not just as a villain, but as a product of his cruel environment.
Step 2
Loyalty to Catherine
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His unwavering loyalty to Catherine Earnshaw underscores his complexity. Despite the pain caused by her eventual betrayal, Heathcliff's love remains steadfast. This devotion illuminates the depth of his character, making readers empathize with his suffering.
Step 3
Path of Revenge
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While Heathcliff's actions can be cruel, they stem from a deep-seated desire for revenge against those who wronged him. His single-minded quest for vengeance, particularly against Hindley, often eclipses his more sympathetic traits, allowing readers to understand his plight.
Step 4
Emotional Turmoil
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His emotional turmoil enhances the reader's empathy. Heathcliff's passion and the torment of his unfulfilled desires create a poignant picture of a man battling inner demons. This turmoil invites readers to recognize his suffering and perhaps feel sympathy for the character.
Step 5
Conclusion
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In conclusion, while Heathcliff embodies traits that may repel, understanding his background and emotional struggles leads readers to sympathize with him. He emerges not merely as a tyrant but as a deeply flawed and tragic figure shaped by circumstance.
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