LCB Heathcliff vs. Wuthering Heights Heathcliff

Attribute	LCB Heathcliff	Wuthering Heights Heathcliff
Character	Protagonist in the novel "Wuthering Heights"	Antagonist in the novel "Wuthering Heights"
Personality	Brooding, vengeful, passionate	Dark, brooding, vengeful, passionate
Relationships	Obsessed with Catherine Earnshaw	Obsessed with Catherine Earnshaw
Actions	Seeks revenge on those who wronged him	Commits acts of cruelty and manipulation
Impact on story	Drives the plot with his actions and decisions	Creates conflict and drama in the story

Background

Heathcliff is a central character in Emily Bronte's classic novel, Wuthering Heights. However, there are two distinct versions of Heathcliff that have been portrayed in various adaptations of the novel. The original Heathcliff as written by Emily Bronte is a complex and brooding character, while the LCB (Laurence Olivier, Timothy Dalton, and Tom Hardy) Heathcliff is a more romanticized and charismatic figure. Let's delve into the attributes of these two versions of Heathcliff and see how they compare.

Physical Appearance

In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is described as a dark-skinned gypsy boy who is brought to live at Wuthering Heights by Mr. Earnshaw. He is often portrayed as a dark and brooding figure, with a wild and unkempt appearance. In contrast, the LCB Heathcliff is often depicted as a more conventionally attractive and charismatic figure. Actors like Laurence Olivier, Timothy Dalton, and Tom Hardy have brought a more romanticized and dashing portrayal of Heathcliff to the screen, with their handsome features and charismatic presence.

Personality

The original Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights is a dark and vengeful character, consumed by his love for Catherine Earnshaw and his desire for revenge against those who have wronged him. He is often portrayed as cruel, manipulative, and brooding, with a fierce and passionate nature. In contrast, the LCB Heathcliff is often portrayed as a more romantic and sympathetic character. While he still retains his dark and brooding nature, he is also shown to be more vulnerable and emotional, with a deep capacity for love and longing.

Relationship with Catherine

In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff's relationship with Catherine Earnshaw is central to the story. Their love is intense and all-consuming, but also destructive and ultimately tragic. Heathcliff's obsession with Catherine drives much of his actions throughout the novel, leading to betrayal, revenge, and heartbreak. In contrast, the LCB Heathcliff's relationship with Catherine is often portrayed as more romantic and passionate. While still intense and tumultuous, their love is often depicted as more idealized and romanticized, with a focus on their deep emotional connection and longing for each other.

Interactions with Other Characters

In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff's interactions with other characters are often marked by his cruelty and manipulation. He is ruthless in his pursuit of revenge against those who have wronged him, and he shows little regard for the feelings or well-being of others. In contrast, the LCB Heathcliff's interactions with other characters are often more nuanced and complex. While he can still be cruel and manipulative, he is also shown to have moments of vulnerability and tenderness, especially in his interactions with Catherine and Hareton Earnshaw.

Portrayal in Adaptations

Over the years, Heathcliff has been portrayed by a number of actors in various adaptations of Wuthering Heights. Each actor brings their own interpretation to the role, shaping how Heathcliff is perceived by audiences. The original Heathcliff as written by Emily Bronte is a dark and brooding character, while the LCB Heathcliff is often portrayed as a more romantic and charismatic figure. Actors like Laurence Olivier, Timothy Dalton, and Tom Hardy have brought a more romanticized and dashing portrayal of Heathcliff to the screen, with their handsome features and charismatic presence.

Conclusion

While both versions of Heathcliff have their own unique attributes and interpretations, it is clear that the original Heathcliff as written by Emily Bronte is a darker and more complex character, while the LCB Heathcliff is a more romanticized and charismatic figure. Whether brooding and vengeful or romantic and passionate, Heathcliff remains one of literature's most enduring and enigmatic characters, captivating readers and audiences alike with his intense and tumultuous nature.