Hindley is a notable character when it comes to portraying ignoble qualities. From the beginning of the novel, Hindley was set on destroying Heathcliff due to his uncontrollable jealousy over his father’s love for Heathcliff. The greater Hindley’s father’s affection grew towards Heathcliff, the stronger Hindley’s hatred and inclination for revenge grew. Hindley tormented Heathcliff regularly, with slanderous comments and physically abused him whenever Mr. Earnshaw was not present. This can be demonstrated though the following quote: “Take my colt, Gipsy, then!” said young Earnshaw. “And I pray that he may break your neck: take him, and he damned, you beggarly interloper! and wheedle my father out of all he has: only afterwards show him what …show more content…
Hindley’s evil nature is further evident after Mr. Earnshaw dies and Hindley becomes Heathcliff’s guardian. He uses this new foreseen power to avenge and enslave Heathcliff for stealing his father’s love from him, tantalizing him for the better half of his childhood until Heathcliff finally escapes his tormentors relentless grasp. The same ignoble and vengeful characteristics can be seen again after the birth of Hindley’s son Hareton. He blames his son for his wife Frances’ death as she died during childbirth, and because of this torments and abuses his child as he did with Heathcliff. He becomes and alcoholic which causes him to have unforeseen bursts of rage, usually ending in him harming the child physically. This can be seen by the following quote: “He entered, vociferating oats dreadful to hear, and caught me in the act of stowing his son away in the kitchen cupboard. Hareton was impressed with a wholesome terror of encountering either his wild-beast’s fondness or his madman’s rage; for in one he ran a chance of being sneezed and kissed to death, and in the other of being flung into the fire and dashed against the wall”