“You don't fall in love like you fall in a hole. You fall like falling through space. It’s like you jump off your own private planet to visit someone else’s planet. And when you get there it all looks different: the flowers, the animals, the colours people wear. It is a big surprise falling in love because you thought you had everything just right on your own planet, and that was true, in a way, but then somebody signalled to you across space and the only way you could visit was to take a giant jump. Away you go, falling into someone else’s orbit and after a while you might decide to pull your two planets together and call it home. And you can bring your dog. Or your cat. Your goldfish, hamster, collection of stones, all your odd socks. (The ones you lost, including the holes, are on the new planet you found.)And you can bring your friends to visit. And read your favourite stories to each other. And the falling was really the big jump that you had to make to be with someone you don’t want to be without. That’s it.PS You have to be brave.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Jeanette Winterson, she beautifully describes the experience of falling in love as a metaphorical journey from one's own "private planet" to someone else's. It is portrayed as a leap of faith, a giant jump that takes courage and bravery. Winterson uses the imagery of space travel to illustrate the transformative nature of love, how it changes one's perspective and brings two individuals together to create a new home. Love is portrayed as a surprising and unexpected experience that enriches one's life and brings about a sense of belonging with another person.
Modern Relevance
In this beautiful passage by Jeanette Winterson, falling in love is compared to taking a giant leap into unknown territory, leaving behind the familiar comforts of your own world to explore the wonders of someone else's. This analogy still holds true in modern times, as love continues to be a thrilling and unpredictable adventure that requires bravery and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Example in a romantic setting:
Jeanette Winterson beautifully describes the experience of falling in love as a journey from one's own planet to another, where everything looks different and wonderful. This passage captures the beauty and excitement of taking that leap of faith into the unknown.
Reflection Questions
After reading this beautiful passage on falling in love by Jeanette Winterson, take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with love and relationships. Consider the following questions:
- Have you ever experienced the feeling of falling in love as described in the passage?
- What do you think it means to "fall into someone else's orbit" and make a home together?
- How do you interpret the idea of taking a giant jump to be with someone you don't want to be without?
- How does the concept of bravery play a role in love and relationships, according to Winterson's perspective?
- Think about your own relationships - what aspects of your life have changed or been enriched by falling in love with someone?
Similar quotes
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planed for you? Not much.”
“when you [lose someone], it feels like the hole in your gum when a tooth falls out. You can chew, you can eat, you have plenty of other teeth, but your tongue keeps going back to that empty place, where all nerves are still a little raw”
“If you fall-and trust me, you will- make sure you fall on your back. Because if you fall on your back, you can see up. And if you can see up, you can get up. And you can keep going and going and going.”
“Your skin is prickly from fatigue and pain and there is a hissing in your ears. Time passes and the pills are taking hold like a glowing white planet coming into view. A reverse eclipse. And you watch with your eyes closed. The white planet is half exposed, it grips your heart in its light and seems to be pulling you forward and now you feel that you are falling. You are awake but dreaming. "The earth is not beautiful but the universe is," you say.”
“When someone dies, it feels like the hole in your gum when a tooth falls out. You can chew, you can eat, you have plenty of other teeth, but your tongue keeps going back to that empty place, where all the nerves are still a little raw.”