Wuthering Heights Quotes
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Source: Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Brontë
"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."
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.
Context
Catherine is talking to Nelly, who is asking her about her feelings for Edgar and for Heathcliff.
In the last chapter, Edgar and Catherine admit that they're in love, and Nelly is trying to help Catherine reconcile the love she feels for Edgar with the love she feels for Heathcliff.
So. Much. Drama.
Cathy goes on to describe her love of Edgar as the foliage, which will change with the seasons, and her love for Heathcliff as "the eternal rock beneath," which is unchanging.
Where you've heard it
Ever heard of Twilight?
Bella says this line to Edward—Wuthering Heights is her favorite book, after all...not to mention the parallel love triangles.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
It's hard to call true love pretentious. It's also hard to call what Cathy feels for either of these men true love.