Revised Open Prompt #1

Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.

           Many people believe that environment determines how its people interact, but people also determine the environment.  In Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff, a gypsy child, is brought into a wealthy English family, but abused by his jealous foster siblings.  Heathcliff’s environment shapes him into as a cynical monster.

          Heathcliff was thrust into the racist upper-class Victorian society.  As a gypsy, he was scorned by the all, and especially by his foster brother, Hindley.  Hindley persecuted Heathcliff, forcing him to do hard labor, separating him from the family, and verbally degrading him.  Wuthering Heights becomes depressing when Hindley succumbs to alcoholism.  During this time, the evil in Heathcliff emerges; he is no longer the victim.  

          After Hindley takes away Heathcliff's only friend, Catherine, Heathcliff turns inward, and by Hindley's death Heathcliff is crueler than Hindley.  Diction emphasizes Heathcliff's new character, describing him as a monster at many times in the book.  Heathcliff is constantly shown in shadows, creating a dark atmosphere.   Heathcliff's character has turned dark, and mysterious.

         Bronte proves her point through Heathcliff, a dynamic character.  Hindley’s racism turns Heathcliff, the happy child, into a monster.