Ultimately it is the reader who has to decide whether
Heathcliff would fit the example of a Byronic hero in order to make the final decision
on whether he is to be "forgiven" and understood, or
not.
In this case, Heathcliff does fit the Byronic hero
profile in that he a) went through enough suffering for the reader to connect with the
character, b) has a nearly-supernatural ability to make an impression (for example,
Heathcliff was "found" and treated better than the own children of his adoptive father
c) he is a victim (he received the worst beatings and treatment from his father's real
children, and was treated like trash).
Therefore, the
reader can almost feel sorry for Heathcliff and decide for themselves that he was indeed
justifiably angry to want a revenge.
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