In Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights', to what extent can Heathcliff be depicted as a Byronic hero instead of a Gothic Villain?

The Byronic hero is an idealised but flawed character exemplified in the life and writings of Lord Byron, characterised by his ex-lover Lady Caroline Lamb as being "mad, bad, and dangerous to know". In addition, Lord Macaulay once wrote, the Byronic hero should be "a man proud, moody, cynical, with defiance on his brow, and misery in his heart, a scorner of his kind, implacable of revenge, yet capable of deep and strong affection." Heathcliff not only seems to possess these features, but be defined by them. The very essence of his character comes from his dark moods, misery and violence but also from his unrelenting and overwhelming capacity to love and show extreme fits of passion. For instance, while he undeniably acts in a way befitting an "imp of Satan" for much of the novel, it can be argued that his villainous traits are not of his own making; sparking the nature vs. nurture debate. Heathcliff can be deemed not inherently evil, as could be expected of a man "animated by demon life”, as he shows underlying humanity through both his catching of Hareton as a baby "by a natural impulse" and by his final acceptance and blessing of Hareton and young Catherine's relationship: "He bid me be off to you: he wondered how I could want the company of anybody else." However, it is inarguable that for much of the book, Heathcliff demonstrates a sadistic tendency toward violence and cruelty that is seen most evidently against Hindley of whom he "kicked and trampled... and dashed his head repeatedly against the flags". Nonetheless, it is important to note that Hindley can be regarded as largely responsible for this development in Heathcliff's character through his own acts of degradation such as when he says "You may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome, like the other servants". Thus, while Heathcliff can be viewed as a Gothic villain in terms of the violent nature and ability to create fear, it is perhaps more precise to categorise him as a Byronic hero as he portrays many of the associated characteristics. While some readers profusely hate Heathcliff many have come to love him and sympathise with the violent side of his character due to his childhood experiences as an outcast; believing he has been nurtured to violence rather than being born innately evil.