Explore the Ways Disturbed Characters Are Presented in Wuthering Heights and Macbeth

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Explore the ways disturbed characters are presented in Wuthering Heights and Macbeth. This essay will explore the sequel of dilemmas faced by ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Heathcliff’ due to their disturbed characteristics and nature. Shakespeare’s play was written in 1606 and set in the 11th century. In contrast, Wuthering Heights was written in 1847 however, Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ and Emily Bronte’s ‘Heathcliff’ share common characteristics of insanity as well as great ambition. Despite the differences in the time, passion and situation, both characters are led to their downfall and death ultimately. In the start of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth himself has not been introduced to the audience until Act 1 Scene 3, however we gain an impression and understanding of his bravery and success as a warrior. In addition, the reader builds up the idea that Macbeth is brutal due to the fact that his actions are described as “bloody executions”. Although Macbeth has not yet appeared, he is much talked about amongst other characters like ‘Malcolm’ and ‘Lennox’. For instance, Malcolm describes Macbeth as a ‘sergeant’. To be called a sergeant in the 11th century would be the equivalent of being rewarded as captain; this shows that he was thought to have a high status and a high level of respect from other people. Also, this quote suggests that Macbeth was portrayed as a hero and an inspiration to his fellow soldiers. Whereas Macbeth appears to be respected for his bravery and is seen in a positive light, Heathcliff is thought to be “rough as a saw edge”. This merely demonstrates the sharpness within his personality, yet from Heathcliff’s first appearance in Wuthering Heights, the audience is given the impression that Heathcliff is powerless and vulnerable to ill treatment from other characters. In the start of Emily Bronte’s novel there is a great sense of inferior behaviour as

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