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When Mr. Earnshaw first brought Heathcliff home, Hindley knew he would be trouble. Later into his story, Nelly describes how Heathcliff would manipulate the Earnshaw children by saying “... if you won’t I shall tell your father of the three thrashings you’ve given me this week…” (Bronte, 43). This foreshadow on Heathcliff’s manipulative side, showing that he’ll do anything to get what he wants. In reply, Hindley states “... if you speak of these blows, you’ll get them again with interest.” (Bronte, 43).
This spiteful reply proves that Hindley’s behaviour is an example of bullying because Heathcliff wants to tell someone about Hindley’s abuse, but can’t speak out in fear of what Hindley may do. At the same time, Heathcliff’s manipulative ways change the course of Hindley’s abuse. Since Heathcliff didn’t want to speak up about the abuse then, it’s almost as if he is using it against him. His revenge for Hindley is so passionate, he’s willing to get a few thrashings here or there in order to shove it back in his face. I find this similar to all types of bullying. The main reason why people bully others is because they know they won’t say anything. Although Heathcliff twisted that disadvantage and made it somewhat of a one up on Hindley, many people just put up with it and then put behind them.
The question being, does Hindley and Heathcliff’s relationship consist of just physical abuse? Or is there more than meets the eye? Obviously, there’s a lot of passionate revenge between them, causing emotional abuse to occur in odd places. Verbal abuse is obviously taken its part, but is the physical abuse the most important aspect of their relationship?