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Heathcliff's Race: A Century-Old Literary Debate
10 Feb
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.
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.
Academic research, such as the "Colonial Brontës" exhibition, suggests Heathcliff may be based on composite colonial characters or be a former enslaved child. The novel's narrative complexity and the characters' own biases add further layers to understanding Heathcliff's identity.
