Revenge Is a Primary Motivation In Both Novels.

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The theme of revenge plays quite a predominant part in the novel ‘Wuthering Heights’, even much so, that it can be considered as a primary motivation in the novel and much, if not all, of the events that occur in Volume I and Volume II would have not been able to take place. For example, if Heathcliff were to have his way with Catherine if it were not for his social class and the norms and taboos of the 18th Century, then the later events of marrying Isabella and corrupting Hareton would have not occurred. It is important to take note that of the fact that some characters, namely Heathcliff, use the need of revenge as a sole pure motivation to carry on with their deeds and to keep on living. “I’m trying to settle how I should pay Hindley back. I don’t care how long I wait, if I can do it only to last. I hope he will not die before I do!” is evidence of Heathcliff’s desire for revenge. The extract “I hope he will not die before I do!” is quite ironic as Hindley does indeed die, allowing Heathcliff to move forward and take the property of Wuthering Heights. In this modern day and age, such a thing of one taking such drastic measures and proclaiming revenge on multiple people would be seen as morally wrong, but it isn’t out of the norm, so modern 21st century readers would not have been as shocked as ‘Wuthering Heights’ original 19th Century readers where for one revenge was seen as a social taboo and also a “gypsy child” becoming a gentleman and inheriting any property, let alone a mansion such as Wuthering Heights would have greatly shocked the readers. It can be argued, for and against, if the same statement can be applied to Alice Walker’s ‘The Color Purple’. Although during the final letters of the book Celie does ‘curse’ Mr -, which may be driven by revenge from the acts of torture and abuse that has been delivered to her from Mr -, most of the actions that
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