Edward Sudall answers “Do you think Heathcliff loved Hareton,...”

Phoebe Jeziel asked this question about Wuthering Heights:

Do you think Heathcliff loved Hareton, even though he said he didn't? Heathcliff used Hareton for his revenge, but I can't help but feel like Heathcliffe loved Hareton despite not wanting too (or maybe he loved him as much as someone like him could love the son of his sworn enemy). Not to mention that Hareton loved Heathcliff like a father and Hareton's love couldn't have come up out of nowhere.

Edward Sudall At one point Heathcliff says he does not care for his own son, but would care more for Hareton if he were not raised "a dunce". I think he indeed did …moreAt one point Heathcliff says he does not care for his own son, but would care more for Hareton if he were not raised "a dunce". I think he indeed did care for him enough to say that - to admit his feelings even reluctantly as "would be" sentiment to Nelly, is to reveal some underlying real feeling. Hareton is a dunce because of Heathcliff, and I believe for that reason he comes to identify (empathise) with Hareton more than his own son; and more than Heathcliff predicted. The feeling of control in relationships allows Heathcliff the room to feel; all his previous experience had been him lacking control even over himself. Having power over a child, like his past child self, will have resulted in some self-reflexivity. I find the affection for Hareton is moving because, it's brutal yes, but is genuinely earnt rather than gained by inborn family resemblance. Despite the apparent odds, humanity will emerge amid depravity. And as Wuthering Heights passionately shows, the two go together.

The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.(less)

flag

More questions about Wuthering Heights…

Wuthering Heights

by Emily Brontë

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more