Heathcliff treats the other characters in the novel the way in which they treated him as a young child. This therefore shows that the ill treatment he received as a child has psychologically affected the way he behaves as an adult. Heathcliff's silence in Hindley's bullying shows that he is in control of the situation; "he would stand Hindley's blows without winking or shedding a tear"(pg 46). In Hindley's lashing out it shows that Heathcliff behaviour has angered Hindley into thinking he has been replaced in the family. Catherine inability to love another person with the same passion as she exhibited with Heathcliff's, who was showed kindness by her as a youngster; "I am Heathcliff"(pg 81)! However his perception Catherine changes when she betrays him and marries another man of a higher status.
             The first revenge that Heathcliff takes is to punish his first abuser. From the moment that Heathcliff arrives Hindley takes an instant dislike to him, Ellen says; "Hindley hated him"(pg46). This may be due to his sister being able to connect with Heathcliff better than himself. It could also by due to his father, Mr Earnshaw, giving Heathcliff the horse that he wanted and giving the impression that Heathcliff is the favourite son. He also believed that Heathcliff would take all his inheritance; "wheedle my father out of all he has"(pg47). This shows the Hindley believes that he is being replaced as a brother to Catherine and Heathcliff has taken his place as son to his father. Heathcliff is able to take all of Hareton's (Hindley's son) inheritance away due to Hindley's gambling and being in a constant drunken state after his wife dies of consumption. Heathcliff is also able to influence Hareton actions. Ellen says he has "saved" (Ch.11) Hareton from acquiring an education, good manners, and has taught him to curse his father and go his own way. In ...