I often wonder how Heathcliff, whose acts are often mean spirited bullying, is often seen as a Byronic hero, romantic in either the Byronic or the modern sense? (Polite note to avoid misunderstandings: I do know the differences between the two).

[Lucinda]

A very intriguing comment, Diana. I think we should pity the grown Heathcliff too, as a tormented being, while realising how twisted he has become. I thought Nelly talked a lot of sense to him, and no doubt you are right, and Jane Austen's creations would too.
I wonder, though,if it is being entirely fair to Emily Bronte to see her depiction of a 'romantic' figure as being a reflection of her own view of the desirable - particularly given how 'manly' she was as a person in real life, and how serious minded about the issues of spiritual redemption? Maybe she was partly teasing the reader by exploring the dismal reality behind the Byronic hero?

[Diana]

Good observation, Lucinda. That's what makes "Wuthering Heights" such a classic. It makes people think and consider. Also, we are looking at it from a different perspective from the time when this intriguing novel was written.

[Lucinda]

Very true, Diana. I was intrigued that so sexist a man as Pushkin in his poem 'Eugene Onegin' seems to be making very disparaging comments on the Byronic hero as missing out on life's' joys by being cut off from his emotions, or anyway, the tender ones.
Byronic heroes seem to me to be what a critic of Etheridge in some essay I read termed 'emotionally constipated'.
And that is what Heathcliff is - emotionally constipated.

[Diana]

Now, that is an excellent term!
I looked up some of the background on this, and it seemed that as Pushkin matured, he became less enamored of the Byronic hero and in effect said to his readers, "I'm no Eugene Onegin!" Now I've got to read this for myself.

[Lucinda]

I recommend it, Diana. I love the film version, too.

[Diana]

Thank you!