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.
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
Putting it to work
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.
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