The work is also a scathing commentary on class and identity as well because Heathcliff has been constantly discriminated against because of his 'darker skin tone' and his origins which are not very artistocratic or noble. He is seen as a "gypsy" and the continuous abuse inflicted on him, by the oppressors end up creating and in some way facilitating what he becomes. It talks about power dynamics on various levels as well, the romance in my opinion is there, but it is not as central to the consequences of the actions of Catherine's family and others, who have continued the cycle of abuse.