The Value of Forgiveness, The Value of Revenge
Liana R. Prieto (Spring 1996)
The Victorian Age touted high standards of decency and moral conduct. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are are both set in this period but there are few parallels between the society and characters in each. Charlotte Bronte models Jane’s surroundings after the mannered, social world of 19th century England. Emily Bronte creates a whole new world where the rules of civilized society do not apply. The two sisters grew up together sharing experiences so their ideas about love, hate, revenge and forgiveness are similar. Jane and Heathcliff have the same potential for happiness, but Emily hinders Heathcliff while Charlotte propels Jane to a fulfilling life. The character development of Jane and Heathcliff show that though the sisters developed distinct writing styles they agree on the concept that forgiveness leads to happiness and revenge leads to ruin.
At the age of ten Jane has already endured years of harsh treatment at Gateshead Hall under the care of her aunt and seems destined to be fighting against her childhood tormentors for life. Jane’s “impulsive” and “vehement” nature gives her the ability to stand up to her benefactress and survive at the Lowood Institute. At Lowood, her discontent grows but two people serve as encouraging role models to her. Helen Burns, a fellow student, instructs Jane on the benefits of piety and submissiveness. “Life appears too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.” Miss Temple serves as a sign to Jane that people can be kind and supportive when she tells Jane she never “would be without friends.” By the time Jane encounters Mr. Rochester she is already strong-willed and mature, but from him she learns how to love in a new way and be happy. As a child Jane was isolated and unhappy. Throughout her life she takes on the best qualities of people she encounters. She progresses enough to apologize and offer her forgiveness to her aunt. Her life experiences allow her to become a self-confident, compassionate woman.
The Homework on Life chances of young people
Describe the social, economic and cultural factors that can have an impact on the outcomes and life chances of young people. Whether it be family income, social class or racial background, factors like these often have a long lasting impact on children’s lives. The economic factors are, in my opinion, the easiest to describe as the extremes are most apparent. GCSE results showed that children ...
Heathcliff, like Jane, is an intruder in his adoptive family, but seems to have the potential for happiness because of the love showered on him. Mr. Earnshaw ignores his own son Hindley in favor of the “dirty, ragged, black-haired child.” Heathcliff and Catherine are two individuals who seem to share a soul; together they are happy. After the death of Mr. Earnshaw Hindley, now master of the house, was determined to degrade Heathcliff in every way possible. Catherine’s marriage to Edgar Linton harmed Heathcliff more than any pain Hindley could inflict. He became bitter and began to plot his revenge. “I’m trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don’t care how long I wait, if I only do it at last.” It does take Heathcliff all but the last few days of his life to carry out his plan. His revenge even involved punishing the second generation for their parents’ misdeeds.
When finally, Heathcliff had it in his power to destroy the last Earnshaw and the last Linton he had not the strength. When he had lost the will to complete his plan he died. On the moors, Heathcliff had learned only passion and violence from others. He wasted his life seeking unrewarding revenge, never learning the value of acceptance and forgiveness.
Charlotte and Emily Bronte both write of the triviality of revenge in these two very different books. Charlotte’s optimistic outlook allowed Jane to triumph over all hardships, including the unwillingness to forgive, and live happily within society’s constraints. Emily’s more pessimistic viewpoint showed the penalties of realized revenge with Heathcliff’s constant misery. Helen Burns’ words would have perhaps had the power to prevent tragedy at Wuthering Heights. “It is not vengeance that best overcomes hate-nor vengeance that most certainly heals injury.” The sisters’ differing perspectives of society did not limit them in what they could accomplish in their literature.
The Essay on Wuthering Heathcliff Love Hindley
... they are. When a young Heathcliff is brought into the Earnshaw family, he is instantly disliked by Hindley Earnshaw. Hindley hates Heathcliff for intruding onto his ... the Earnshaw. The cruelties of Hindley toward Heathcliff produces vengeance. Heathcliff feels the need to take revenge, and zeros in on Hareton Earnshaw son to Hindley. Heathcliff's evil ...
