A lifeline is a specific quote or passage from a novel that stands out to, or impacts the reader in some way. There are no set lifelines; they just happen as the reader is reading the work and it stands out to them. Here are some of our lifelines from Wuthering Heights.
“A perfect misanthropist’s Heaven: and Mr. Heathcliff and I are such a suitable pair to divide the desolation between us” (Bronte 1).
“It is strange,…it is strange how custom can mould our tastes and ideas: many could not imagine the existence of happiness in a life of such complete exile from the world as you spend, Mr. Heathcliff; yet, I’ll venture to say, that, surrounded by your family, and with your amiable lady as the presiding genius over your home and heart--” (Bronte 10).
“What vain weather-cocks we are! I, who had determined to hold myself independent of all social intercourse, and thanked my stars that, at length, I had lighted on a spot where it was next to impracticable—I, weak wretch, after maintaining till dusk a struggle with low spirits and solitude, was finally compelled to strike my colours: and, under pretence of gaining information concerning the necessities of my establishment…” (Bronte 28).
“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"” (Bronte 74).
"Two words would comprehend my future—death and hell: existence, after losing her, would be hell" (Bronte 136-137).
"I’ll have her in my arms again! If she be cold, I’ll think it is this north wind that chills me; and if she be motionless, it is sleep" (Bronte 264).
“I have a single wish, and my whole being and faculties are yearning to attain it. They have yearned towards it so long, and so unwaveringly, that I’m convinced it will be reached—and soon—because it has devoured my existence: I am swallowed in the anticipation of its fulfillment” (Bronte 297).
“I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and hare-bells; listening to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth” (Bronte 308).
