FUCK I'M SO SMART SEE WHAT 6 YEARS OF BURWOOD GIRLZ EDUCATION HAS TAUGHT ME. (thanks sharon)
Class struggle is highlighted through the characterization of Heathcliff as a gypsy bastard lacking social or domestic place in the existing social structure. Unable to inherit land, and rejected and reduced to servant status by Hindley, Heathcliff serves as the exploited proletariat figure in bourgeoisie society. His unknown origin introduces a threat to their guarded system of inheritance and ownership. Consequently he is repressed by the gentry, Edgar, who as a landowner has power and insults him with derogatory terms such as “gipsy” and “ploughboy”.