Understanding How Revenge Destroys the Avenger
After Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley inherits Wuthering Heights and systematically degrades Heathcliff—forcing him into servant status, denying him education, beating him regularly. This is where Heathcliff's rage is born. The abuse is real, sustained, deliberately humiliating.
Key Insight
Revenge almost always starts with real injustice. Heathcliff isn't making up his grievances—Hindley really does abuse him viciously. Understanding this is crucial: revenge feels justified because the original wound is real. But justification doesn't prevent revenge from becoming its own form of poison.
