The eighteenth century gentleman did not earn the title of Gentleman solely based on inheritance. They were not nobleman or royalty born into a certain position; they were termed "Gentleman" because of their ownership of land, the number of servants they had, and their social reputation. Throughout the centuries the social stature of men has been a major focus of great literature. The struggle over social rank has led to wars as recently as the last century, incest as far back as ancient Rome, and betrayal in families even today. Emily Bronte supported the idea that "society and what passes for civilization are synonymous with selfishness." (Shapiro 1) In Wuthering Heights she depicts the volatility of social stature in the eighteenth century world of a Gentleman.
Emily Bronte's characterization of Earnshaw and Linton as Gentleman was based on the lands they owned and their social reputation. Earnshaw's Thrushcross Grange was "a splendid place carpeted with crimson, and crimson-covered chairs and tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold, a shower of glass-drops hanging in silver chains from the center, and shimmering with little soft tapers .[one] should have thought [oneself] in heaven!" (Bronte 707).
The characterization of Heathcliff in contrast is a perfect example of the instable institution of the Gentleman. Heathcliff is the complete opposite of what one thinks of as a Gentleman. He was an orphan, who owned nothing, knew nothing, and was treated as nothing. He was neither gentle nor a man when he was first brought home by Mr. Earnshaw. Earnshaw took him in and treated him as one of his own. This gave Heathcliff a false sense of placement in society. Through Earnshaw, Heathcliff was treated as a person of worth and was made to believe this. Unfortunately the death of Earnshaw, caused Heathcliff to loose his position. "He is given a first name, not a last name, as though to emphasize that he can never be part of the family- (Shapiro 1) .