A Victim of Environment The cruel and vindictive nature of Heathcliff springs from the traumatic experiences, both physical and mental of his childhood. The first of these dates back to Heathcliff’s earliest years. Wandering the streets of Liverpool alone, the ragged, desolate Heathcliff is exposed to harsh conditions and physical punishment from the very first years of his life. His transference to Wuthering Heights is only partial reconciliation, for although he gains the favor of Mr. Earnshaw and Cathy, he also is despised by Hindley. Upon Mr. Earnshaw’s death, his life again takes a turn for the worse. Hindley, vehemently jealous of his father’s favorite, takes out all of his frustrations on Heathcliff. Heathcliff is demoted to the rank of servant and exposed to cruel and harsh treatment. It is only when he flees from the Heights that this inhuman treatment is ended. Aside from purely physical experiences, Heathcliff also suffers a number of degradations to his pride. The first of these occurs in his early scene with Edgar. The young Heathcliff, finally gaining some self-respect, requests Nelly to make him “look nice”. The proud Heathcliff then eagerly awaits the arrival of the Lintons, only to be laughed at by Edgar and rebuked by Hindley. Another experience occurs when Catherine returns from the Grange. Upon her return, Catherine reproves Heathcliff for being so wretched in appearance. Heathcliff, embarrassed and appalled by Catherine’s new look, hastily flees, considering himself more of a “black urchin” than ever. The ultimate insult, however, occurs during Catherine’s talk with Nelly Dean. In this conversation, Catherine reveals that, while Heathcliff is her only true love, she cannot bear the disgrace of marrying him and will, therefore, marry Edgar. Heathcliff, overhearing this, is shocked that his childhood friend and lover would be ashamed to marry him. He flees from the house, a shattered human being. Therefore, through such experiences, Heathcliff develops a destructive personality. From the physical hardships he has endured, he develops a cruel and harsh nature and is filled with plans for revenge. From the insults to his pride, he becomes spiteful and morose and desperately tries to prove his worth. Without these traumatic experiences, he might well have grown into a truly admirable human being.