This page talks of the relationship
between the novel Becket and Wuthering Heights
In Beckett and Wuthering Heights, the villianous efforts of
certain
characters exhibit parallel structure. The King from Beckett acts out
in numerous ways to gain his revenge on Beckett. In this same way
Heathcliff acts out toward several characters in the Wuthering Heights
as part of his revenge.
King: The King wanted revenge on Beckett because
Beckett gave up his
state title to be fully committed to the church. Since the king had
done so much for Beckett, the King felt as if Beckett was a traitor.
Because Beckett gave up his allegiance to the state, the King sought
out to kill Beckett as part of his revenge. In the following passage
Beckett expresses his reasons for being loyal to the church.
Beckett: "I was a man without honor.
And suddenly I found it- one I
never imagined would ever become mine- the honor of God. a frail
incomprehensible honor, vulnerable as a boy-king fleeing from danger."
(p. 112)
In this passage the King expresses his opposition towards Beckett
decision and also how he feels about the decision.
King: "I give you my royal peace. May
you find yours. And may you
not discover you were wrong about yourself. This if the last time I
shall come begging to you. I should never have seen you again! It
hurts to much." (p. 114)
Heathcliff: In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff as
seeks revenge because
he feels like life has been unfair to him, so he must make everyone
around him suffer just like he has. As shown in this passage,
Heathcliff also is violent in his revenge. (This relates to p.163
where it says "Heathcliff gave him a push onto his....")
King accepts
punishment (flogging) over having Becket Killed.
The King was outraged at
Becket's radical change in personality after having been appointed Archbishop of
Canterbury. Becket gave up his state position and began opposing the king on issues
concerning the power struggle going on between the church and the state.
Experiencing these emotions. the king acts outs in violence toward Becket and had him
killed.
