In Wuthering Heights, author Emily Bronte describes Heathcliff, one of the main characters, as an embodiment of evil. Heathcliff is first introduced in the novel as the unpleasant and unwelcoming landowner of Wuthering Heights, and from this first impression, it is easy to believe that Heathcliff possessed his evil qualities from birth. However, it is later revealed that Heathcliff has a long history with Wuthering Heights and that there is evidence from his youth. he was not originally an evil person Although some believe that Heathcliff is evil by nature, Heathcliff, in all reality, displays evil qualities such as ingratitude, cruelty, selfishness, and vindictiveness purely as a result of the environment in which he has been bred. and the way he was treated by the other residents of Wuthering Heights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay To fully understand the scope. of Heathcliff's immorality during the best part of Wuthering Heights, it is best to first examine the evidence of Heathcliff's original and pristine behavior. When Mr. Earnshaw first brings Heathcliff home, it is said that Mr. Earnshaw found him "like a fool, in the streets of Liverpool, where he picked him up and asked for his owner - No one knew to whom he belonged" (35) . Heathcliff's unremarkable past, barely hinted at in the novel, symbolizes how Heathcliff is given a clean slate when he is brought into the world of Wuthering Heights. It is only after Heathcliff's initiation into the sophisticated world that his corruption begins to reveal itself. Even though it is established that Heathcliff is poor and some kind of gypsy, he still behaves in a civilized manner when he arrives at Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is described as a "surly, patient child" (36) and initially fares better than Catherine, Hindley, and Nelly Dean, which is ironic due to their cultured upbringings compared to that of the gypsy boy. While Heathcliff is certainly initially an innocent being, the harsh environment of Wuthering Heights, fostered primarily by Hindley's actions, quickly instills a change in his personality. From the moment Heathcliff walks through the doors of Wuthering Heights, he is immediately bombarded with feelings of contempt and unpleasantness. Mrs. Earnshaw's reaction was nothing short of disgust. "Mrs Earnshaw was ready to throw him out of the house: she flew up asking how he [Mr Earnshaw] could manage to get that gypsy brat into the house, when they had their own children to feed and look after? What did he intend to do with him? What if he was crazy?" (35). Mrs. Earnshaw's revulsion towards Heathcliff makes him immediately feel unwanted and unwelcome in his new home. Mrs. Earnshaw's reaction also sets a negative example for her children. After seeing their mother's treatment of their new guest, Catherine and Hindley promptly help make Heathcliff feel as unwelcome as possible. Catherine's initial feelings for Heathcliff are one of disgust (although they later change drastically), and she demonstrates this by spitting on him. Nelly Dean also behaves unwelcomingly, ensuring that Heathcliff is restricted to the stair landing for his sleeping accommodations. Of all the characters in the novel, Hindley treats Heathcliff the worst and is therefore most responsible for Heathcliff's transition to evil. Hindley's cruel behavior stems from the jealousy he feels towards Heathcliff because of the affection Mr Earnshaw so willingly bestows on him. Hindley beats Heathcliff while Mr. Earnshaw is still alive and reduces him to a groom when the., 1988.