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I cannot express it; but surely you and everybody have a notion that there is, or should be an existence of yours beyond you. What were the use of creation if I were entirely contained here? My great miseries in this world have been Heathcliff's miseries, and I watched and felt each from the beginning; my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the Universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it. My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods. Time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees - my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath - a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff - he's always, always in my mind - not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself - but as my own being - so, don't talk of our separation again - it is impracticable.

Emily Bronte#21

LoveLifeSoulExistentialismIdentityPassion

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes a soul-deep connection with Heathcliff that transcends physical existence and contrasts it with superficial love for Linton.
In plain terms
My soul is Heathcliff and without him I cease to exist.
What can you take from it?
True love defines existence rather than merely adding joy.

Where it applies

  • Declarating profound love
  • Reflecting on identity
  • Discussing loss

Putting it to work

  • Define your core relationships
  • Distinguish deep love from passion
  • Reflect on identity

Questions to consider

  • How much of you is defined by others?
  • Can you love without losing yourself?

Another view

It idealizes love as all-consuming to the point of self-loss.

More from Emily Bronte

  1. Heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle…

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  2. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him, they crush those beneath them.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me, like wine through water, and alte…

    Permalink to quote #19

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