“You are a dog in the manger, Cathy, and desire no one to be loved but yourself!”
Analysis of Quote from Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights"
In this quote, the character accuses Cathy of being selfish and possessive. The metaphor "dog in the manger" refers to a dog that guards food it cannot eat, symbolizing Cathy's unwillingness to share love with others. This quote highlights Cathy's self-centered nature and her inability to put others' needs before her own. It also reflects on themes of jealousy and possessiveness in the novel.
Modern Relevance
This quote from Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights captures the sentiment of jealousy and possessiveness. In today's world, we often see individuals who feel threatened by the success or happiness of others, acting out of selfish motives. This quote serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of supporting and celebrating the successes of those around us.
Emily Brontë
"You are a dog in the manger, Cathy, and desire no one to be loved but yourself!” - Emily Brontë
In this quote, Emily Brontë uses the idiom "a dog in the manger" to describe someone who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or benefiting from something that they themselves have no use for.
Reflection Questions
This quote from Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights speaks to the selfish and possessive nature of the character Cathy. Reflect on the following questions to explore themes of love, jealousy, and self-centeredness:
- Have you ever felt possessive or jealous in a relationship, like Cathy does in this quote?
- How do you think Cathy's selfishness impacts her relationships with others?
- Do you believe that love can coexist with possessiveness, or are they mutually exclusive?
- In what ways can we avoid becoming a "dog in the manger" in our own relationships?
Similar quotes
“Life offers more than one chance, Cathy, you know that.”
“Heathcliff. The "hero" of Wuthering Heights. Although no one knows why.He's mean, moody, and possibly a bit on the pongy side. Cathy loves him, though. She shows this by viciously rejecting him and marrying someone else for a laugh. Still, that is true love on the moors for you.”
“Desire consumes you, it takes you over. You forget yourself completely. All you can think about is the other, the one you desire, your self is just a fire.”
“Roland, love means not being afraid to let yourself go, trusting that I will desire everything you have to offer. -Rosaline (Roland's love)”
“One loves ultimately one's desires, not the thing desired.”