Heathcliff as The Modern Man

By Kevin Cevallos Per.2

Thesis

• The revolutionary characterization of Heathcliff illustrates the ideal union of the Epic, Tragic, and the Byronic heroes; thus, the persona created is, ironically, the antecedent and the embodiment of the modern man

Hero #1: Epic Hero

• The Epic Hero is braver, stronger, smarter, and more clever than most

• Is on a quest• Has Nemesis who

tries to thwart him

Examples of Epic Heroes

Hero #2: Tragic Hero

• Character must have certain qualities the reader could be able to relate to

• the downfall of the hero must be his own fault

• Must create Pity and Fear

Examples of Tragic Heroes

Hero #3: Byronic hero

• Has many dark qualities • Is usually isolated from society as a wanderer• Has emotional and intellectual capacities, which

are superior to the average man

Examples of Byronic Heroes

Synthesis

• The Epic hero: The modern man needs something bigger in his life, or wants to change something in society, and goes on a quest for it either through society’s norms or though his own mind

Synthesis

• The Tragic Hero: The modern man is his own undoing due to the actions made, and the reader can really learn from the mistakes of the modern man, for his life would be the closest thing to our reality; thus, the pity and fear would be overwhelming.

Synthesis

• The Byronic Hero: The modern man also shows extreme intellectual vigor and emotional fervor and his dark attributes are prominent throughout his life. He seems to definitely try to leave society and his integrity might stop him from doing what is necessary or painful.

Important? Yes!

• Heathcliff is predecessor to modern man• Moral lesson which the modern reader learns

from.

Tragic

Epic

Byronic

Heathcliff