I read WH and watched the newer version of the movie recently; (Ralph Feines as HC) it is a great version, I think. I have been thinking of this topic for awhile now, how Edward and Heathcliff compare. In order for me to make sense of it, I believe that Edward hates the story because he relates to Heathcliff and it upsets him to know that there is a part of him that feels very much the same way about Jacob that HC feels about Linton. Heathcliff says to Nelly that he would never hurt Edgar, just the way Edward would never hurt Jacob unless her feelings towards him change, ie; the statement he makes to Jacob after he kisses her, 'I'm not going to kill you now because it would upset Bella.' I often muse over what Edward would do should Bella's heart change toward Jacob. I think that WH is a very sad tale of two very headstrong people that just couldn't humble themselves enough to love each other the way the other needed them to. I was in tears when Cathy died, at the depth of emotion each felt for the other. When HC cries out after Cathy dies for her to haunt him, just don't leave him, wow that is the most heartwrenching scene I have read in a long time. Just my thoughts!

I think intent and self-control are the biggest differences between H & E.

Edward would love to extract Jacob from Bella's life, from "their" story, but he knows how much it would hurt Bella if he made any effort to do so. H., on the other hand, seems to believe that as long as he doesn't physically harm Edgar, he is not hurting Cathy. Yet, the mental torment he inflicts on those around him is far worse than any corporeal pain he could cause. Edward knows better- or at least figures it out pretty quickly. To his credit, he also finds some way to "humanize" Jacob- something I don't think Jacob ever really did for Edward. And by "humanize," I mean he finds something good in Jacob- beyond his jealously and their status as natural enemies- he allows himself to develop gratitude for Jacob's role in Bella's life. A very difficult thing to do for one you despise so deeply-I know from personal experience. H. was not willing to do that for Edgar. It was obvious to the reader that H. was one of those characters that only appreciates physical prowess, not mental capacity, not the capacity to love with restraint- to love without destruction.

Regarding self-control, Edward recognizes that his "natural side," if allowed to run unchecked, would startlingly resemble Heathcliff; a pretty horrific realization to make! Heathcliff only utilized restraint when it served HIS selfish designs for the complete destruction of the Linton & Earnshaw families. Edward knows early on that in order to preserve the physical body of his beloved, he MUST maintain control of his nature. It is only after Jacob enters the story and complicates his relationship with Bella, that he completely understand the need for emotional restraint, too. To control himself less would destroy Bella's faith and trust in him, as well as in himself.

I'm typing with the freakin' flu- I hope that was all clear....

D

What great insight! Thanks! I do totally understand what you meant by 'humanize him.' Edwards compassionate attitude serves him well with Charlie, near the end of Eclipse when Charlie sees how concerned he is for Jacob and his injuries. HC was a devil, with no redeeming qualities! I think Edward's most redeeming attribute is that he is able to reawaken his humanity...slowly but surely! Edward's love for Bella is pure and perfect. HC's love for Cathy was tainted, and doomed from the beginning.....because of his complete lack of charity in any form.....how he treats Isabella....WOW!

After reading I wonder how Bella's life would have been if Edward had never returned? And what Catherine's life would have been like if Heathcliff had stayed away. I see a lot of similarities between Bella and Catherine. I think if Heathcliff had stayed away Catherine would have had a measure of happiness with Edgar just as Bella would have had happiness with Jacob.

I just got my audiobooks, so I'm listening to EC for the first time. I finally got the part (pg. 266) about the WH passage on the page Edward was reading.

I never would have banished him from her society as long as she desired this. The moment her regard ceased, I would have torn his heart out, and drank his blood! But, till then - if you don't believe me, you don't know me - till then, I would have died by inches before I touched a single hair on his head!

I guess I was distracted the times I read this b/c Bella catches the words "drink his blood." But, this time, hearing it, I realized that this passage describes Edward's feelings about Jacob. It hurts Edward to let Bella be with Jacob but he lets her b/c he loves her. Watching Jacob sleep with Bella in the tent had to be terribly painful for Edward, but he did it b/c of his love for her. And if Bella did not love Jacob, Edward would have no problem killing him and literally drinking his blood.

Except then Edward would have no reason to do that to Jacob. He has such strong feelings about Jacob because of Bella. I think that he would never kill Jacob unless he was a danger to other people...even in his darkest days, he only killed "the bad guy." And unless Jacob lost serious control, I don't think he qualifies.

And that is where I think Heathcliff and Edward are so different. While I am sure they do actually both have souls, the one who is just an ordinary human is completely unconcerned about the moral and eternal ramifications of a soul while the one that is actually a "monster" of sorts cannot get past the terror of possibly not and hope that he does have a soul.