What is the debate surrounding Heathcliff's race in Wuthering Heights?

The debate centers on Heathcliff's racial identity, with the novel describing him as "dark-skinned" and a "gypsy," leading to scholarly discussions about whether he is Black, Romani, or Irish.

When did scholars start debating Heathcliff's racial identity?

Scholars have been discussing Heathcliff's origins for nearly a century, with academic discourse gaining momentum in the 1950s and further developing with postcolonial studies.

How has Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" influenced the debate?

Fennell's casting choice of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff has reignited the century-old discussion about the character's racial identity, prompting renewed attention to the novel's descriptions and scholarly interpretations.

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Heathcliff's Race: A Century-Old Literary Debate

10 Feb

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Summary

Heathcliff's racial identity in Wuthering Heights is debated.
Scholars have debated Heathcliff's origins since the 1950s.
Fennell's casting choice reignited the century-old discussion.

Heathcliff's Race: A Century-Old Literary Debate

The recent premiere of Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" has brought to the forefront a long-standing debate: Heathcliff's true racial identity. Critics have questioned the casting of white actor Jacob Elordi as a character described in the novel as a "dark-skinned gypsy."

Scholars have been discussing Heathcliff's origins for nearly a century, with theories suggesting he could be Black, Romani, or Irish. These interpretations stem from textual clues and historical context, including Liverpool's status as a slave port during the novel's setting.

While some adaptations have depicted a Black Heathcliff, including Andrea Arnold's 2011 film, the character has historically been portrayed as white. Fennell's casting, alongside people of color in other roles, has amplified the discussion around interpretations of Brontë's ambiguous descriptions.