Rare would one classify Heathcliff, from Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, as a hero under any circumstances. The true embodiment of a hero would be within the flesh of the legendary Beowulf. However, Heathcliff's heroism is undermined through the contrast with a classic hero like Beowulf. This misconception portrayed of Heathcliff is because of the generalization that society holds regarding the classification of a hero. A "true" hero, by definition, is "A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life." This statement can be found in Beowulf but the complete opposite is found in Heathcliff. Despite the extremities between the two, proof will be established to suggest Heathcliff as a hero but in a different nature.

Beowulf encompasses what society believes to be a hero. He was a man of strength, bravery and nobility; he was...