
Heathcliff ‘may have been black'
The Brontë museum has suggested that the character of Heathcliff may have been black.
Heathcliff features as the brooding anti-hero in Wuthering Heights, a tale of passion which shocked the Victorian public when it was published in 1847.
Emily Brontë described him as darker than other characters in the novel but not explicitly black, with comparisons to a 'dark-skinned gypsy' or a 'Lascar', a south Asian sailor.
However, Heathcliff is also described as 'pale' at times and possibly 'Spanish'.
On screen, the character has been played principally by white actors, including Laurence Olivier in 1939, but in 2011 the roles of the old and young Heathcliff went to black British performers James Howson and Solomon Glave.
The debate over ethnicity of the character has reignited following the decision to cast white actor Jacob Elordi in the role for an upcoming film.
The Brontë Parsonage in Haworth, once the Yorkshire home of Emily, Anne and Charlotte Brontë and now a museum dedicated to the authors, has set out the case for Heathcliff being a man of 'black African descent'.
Heathcliff 'may have been inspired by former slave'
The argument has been advanced by the Brontë Society, which controls the parsonage museum, following a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Information on its website suggests that Heathcliff may have been inspired by a black abolitionist and former slave.
This states that while the character's ethnicity remains a mystery, there are clues 'linking him to the transatlantic slave trade'.
A resource on the official parsonage website, titled Black History, states: 'The fact that Heathcliff is found in Liverpool, described as an orphan with no 'owner' or 'belonging' to anybody, opens up the possibility that Heathcliff could have black African descent, having been brought to Liverpool through the slave trade.'
It also adds that Brontë may have based Heathcliff's appearance on the Frederick Douglass, the black American abolitionist .
Douglass was a renowned figure at the time the novel was written, the resource states.
To further support the idea, parallels are drawn between Heathcliff's brutal upbringing in the eponymous home, Wuthering Heights, and the treatment of slaves.
It states: 'This forced endurance of misery and beatings is an experience that can be compared to that of enslaved people across the colonies… Heathcliff is 'flogged' like an enslaved person by Hindley and the entire family contributes to this prejudice.'
The society added that 'it's interesting that Emily chose to set Wuthering Heights in a time when the transatlantic slave trade was a large part of the economy in Britain'.
The society advanced the argument for a black Heathcliff following controversy over an upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation, written and produced by Emerald Fennell, which will star Margot Robbie alongside Elordi as Heathcliff's soulmate, Catherine Earnshaw.
The pair are childhood friends denied a life together in the novel, which presents Heathcliff as a kind of supernatural and devilish being.
The casting of Elordi was criticised by many on social media who accused the film of 'whitewashing' the story.
The parsonage's intervention in the debate over Heathcliff's race comes ahead of a planned annual conference, set for autumn, that will address how the Brontë sisters are linked to 'Empire and Western colonialism'.
Research will tackle issues including 'racialisation' and 'whiteness' in the works of the literary family.
The Brontë Society said that the theme was chosen at a time when 'continued efforts to decolonise the curriculum and museums are being made'.
The links to the colonial world in the works of the Brontës include Heathcliff's debated race, and the character of Bertha Mason, who hails from Jamaica, in Charlotte's 1847 novel Jane Eyre.
The conference will also debate the character Quashia Quamina, a black figure who featured in the imaginary world of Angria, which Charlotte devised.
The Brontë Society board is led by book influencer Lucy Powrie, who was 25 when she was appointed its youngest chairman. The Brontë Parsonage Museum itself is directed by Rebecca Yorke.
The society's commitment to inclusion has come under scrutiny in the past.
In 2024, the Brontë sisters were named in an LGBT Pride campaign because they wrote under pen names.
Pride Month material published by the Brontë Society discussed 'the Brontës and gender identity' because of their 'androgynous' alter-egos.
Charlotte published her works under the name Currer, Emily under the moniker Ellis, while Anne adopted the name Acton. All three went by the same surname of Bell.
During their lifetimes, it was common for female writers to adopt male pseudonyms when writing and publishing their works in order to be taken seriously by the establishment.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Four Father's Day 2025 unique and thoughtful gifts which will arrive on time for Sunday
Father's Day 2025 is coming this weekend and for those who are yet to buy anything for the big day, we have got you covered with this gift guide that is sure to please all of the father's out there - and they are still available to arrive before Sunday! Father's Day is just around the corner and there are sure to be a few last minute shoppers out there who have either forgotten about the date or left it last minute and are now scrambling for ideas. The big day falls on Sunday June 15th this year and while a crate of beers or a box of his favourite chocolates are sure to make the majority of men smile, you may be looking to go the extra mile this year. To help those who are looking for something a little more personal for the special father or grandfather figure in their life this year, I have compiled a short gift guide that covers a range of items that are sure to please every man - from foodies and alcohol enthusiasts to health and wellness and experience day lovers. After all, the day only comes around once a year so why not branch out a little this year and think outside of the box a little. Here's some inspiration for those searching for a unique gift this Father's Day which are all still available to snatch up before Sunday.. Foodie dad As the old saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So food could be a perfect present for all the foodie dads out there but not just any old food - a fancy box of Spanish tapas ingredients. Box Tapas creates a gorgeous collection of Spanish ingredients, allowing you to create authentic and delicious tapas with new flavours and products that have never before been available in the uk. Shoppers can choose from a range of five Tapas Boxes, including Classic, Vegetarian, Seafood, Chorizo or Gourmet, with prices starting from £54.59. Each box contains a carefully curated set of quality ingredients (10-14 per box) which can be used to produce a range of tapas dishes. Buyers can expect authentic, high quality tapas fundamentals such as Whole Gordal Olives or Valencian Almonds with Fine Herbs. Other items are traditional Spanish sauces which require a few other basic ingredients like rustic bread or potatoes to make a dish such as the spicy Salsa Brava, nutty and creamy Romesco, garlic-rich Alioli or the Iberico Pate with Paprika. When deciding on a box, shoppers can see the full list of ingredients within each one and a whole list of recipes for each one to inspire those creating the tapas. Box Tapas would make a very thoughtful Father's Day present for those looking to spoil a food lover. It will also make a very impressive 'picky bits' feast which dads can share with their family and friends or impress dinner party guests with. You can buy a box from Box Tapas directly from their website or purchase it from Amazon with next day delivery available here. Boozy dad Another popular gift for men is alcohol. For the dads out there who drink spirits and enjoy finding new brands or small businesses that sell their own alcohol, then this could be the perfect gift this Father's Day. Wiltshire-based distillery Witchmark offers a range of world-class specially created batches of vodka and gin and whiskey. Witchmark creates its own neutral grain spirit and its single malt whiskey from barley grown on the estate where the distillery stands, ensuring complete quality control from grain to glass. The distillery recently announced its B Corp classification, making it now the highest-scoring distillery in England with the World Drinks Awards recognising Witchmark's Vodka with Gold Award and their BLack Lime Gin with a Silver Award. The Witchmark Single Origin English Vodka which comes in a 70cl bottle is described as 'smooth, clean and crisp' with a rich and creamy flavour. Produced in small batches and with only 1,250 bottles available at the price point of £43, this is likely to be a great present for any spirit loving dad. Meanwhile, their Black Lime Gin has been described as 'bright, vibrant and zesty' is also available in a 70cl bottle and is priced at £43. The website's description reads: "Black Lime gin is a bold spirit, capturing exotic spices and citrus complexity. Juniper and coriander form its base, elevated by smoky black lime and numbing Szechuan pepper. Clove and orris root add warmth, while elderberry and yuzu provide a fruity, zesty finish." The entire spirit collection can be bought directly from their website or directly from Amazon with speedier delivery here. Wellness dad While there are so many thoughtful gifts that can be bought for Father's Day, what could be better than the gift of good sleep? Silent Night are offering some last minute Father's Day gifts from their anti-snore range - an ideal dad-friendly sleep gift which has been proven to reduce snoring frequency and volume by approximately 50%. The Silent Night Luxury Anti-Snore pillow, priced at £19.99 on Amazon, features an ergonomically shaped foam core to help support the head and reduce snoring, additionally featuring a soft-touch quilted cover for added luxury. The range has even been tested by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association who confirmed the pillow successfully reduced snoring frequency and volume by around 50%. Shoppers have also left glowing five star reviews with one stating: "Really great pillow, super comfortable and durable and definitely helped to reduce my snoring by a fair bit. Exactly as described, super happy with my purchase." The pillow is perfect for the father figures who find their sleep being impacted by snoring and can be bought online here from Amazon. Experience dad We have all heard the classic line - "I don't need anything" - before when asking a man what they would like to be gifted for a special occasion. And while most of the time, they are just being polite and urging their loved one to save their pennies, perhaps not giving a physical gift is the way to go this Father's Day. Instead, why not consider an experience present which is a great way to spend some quality time together which is one of the most important gifts of all. Flight Club is a popular social darts bar experience based in Glasgow City Centre on George Street which offers various fun and fast paced multiplayer games designed to bring people together and create a fun and memorable time. Groups or pairs are given their only private booth area with a touch screen computer so they can select which darts games they'd like to play. Players can also order food and drinks from Flight Club's extensive food and drinks menu off the screen which is delivered straight to their seat from a waiter. Social darts can be booked here for either 60 or 90 minute time slots with prices starting from £22 for two people. For those who are looking for a memorable and unique day out this Father's Day - this may just be the place.


Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOB BELLINGHAM is already plotting a move to Real Madrid following his Borussia Dortmund transfer, according to reports. The midfielder has completed a £27million switch to Borussia Dortmund. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jobe Bellingham has completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund Credit: Instagram @bvb09 3 He could follow brother Jude to Real Madrid Credit: INSTAGRAM @judebellingham That makes him the fourth most expensive player in the club's history - just ahead of older brother Jude. In his announcement video Bellingham played down the idea he is following in his brother's footsteps. But Spanish outlet Marca report the 19-year-old is already eyeing a switch to Real Madrid, just as Jude did two years ago. They claim Jude's knowledge of the club and success at Dortmund where key factors in Bellingham's decision to sign. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe Bellingham's debut for Dortmund will likely come in the Club World Cup. The teenager will wear number 77 for his new club, sporting his first name 'Jobe' on the rear of his shirt to avoid the weight of his surname. He has penned a five-year deal and his fee could rise to £32m if add-ons are met. Bellingham penned an emotional goodbye to the Sunderland fans in an open letter on his Instagram. 3 It read: "Dear Sunderland, it's time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White. "Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. "Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters. "I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. "I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. "I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart. "I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I'm so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place. "To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future. "Jobe, Adopted Mackem."


Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Extremely reclusive Hollywood star makes very rare public appearance with wife – can you guess who he is?
He was joining another film legend for a day out in the sun out & about Extremely reclusive Hollywood star makes very rare public appearance with wife – can you guess who he is? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RECLUSIVE Hollywood star has been spotted lapping up the sunshine with his rarely seen wife on a trip abroad. The 66-year-old actor appeared to be enjoying some downtime as he relaxed with his wife in Mallorca. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Do you recognise this Hollywood star? Credit: Splash 6 He was spotted out and about with his wife Credit: Splash 6 It is Daniel Day Lewis and his wife Rebecca Credit: Getty Images - Getty But can you work out who he is? It is actor Daniel Day Lewis who was spotted with his wife Rebecca Miller at the Port of Andratx. The popular star was seen leaving a van by the port as he hopped into a speedboat with his wife. It is understood the couple were travelling via speedboat to join a yacht with legendary filmmaker, Steven Speilberg. The pair famously worked together on the 2012 historical drama movie, Lincoln. Daniel looked relaxed as he opted to cover up despite the Spanish sunshine. He wore a long beige coat with matching trousers and kept his eyes hidden behind a pair of dark shades. His wife Rebecca also appeared to keep things simple with a plain white t-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Daniel has famously kept a low-profile and retired from acting but was encouraged by his son to dip his toe back into the game last year. His son Roman convinced him to star in his directorial debut. Daniel Day-Lewis: The Triumphant Return The father and son duo wrote the screenplay together, with the film described as an "exploration of the relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and the dynamics of familial bonds". Along with Daniel, the movie has an impressive cast which includes Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Safia Oakley-Green. The triple Oscar-winner's last film was the 2017 movie, Phantom Thread, based on the fashion world of 1950s London. Announcing his retirement at the time, Daniel's representative said in a statement: "Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. "He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. "This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject." 6 He famously retired from acting Credit: Splash 6 Daniel is an Oscar winner Credit: Getty