This quote from Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" reflects a moment of intense emotion or anxiety where the narrator feels the need to consciously remind themselves to breathe, emphasizing a sense of overwhelm or heightened sensation. It illustrates how deeply feelings can affect physical functions, making the act of breathing seem like a conscious effort rather than an automatic process. The quote also underscores the depth of passion and turmoil experienced by the characters in the novel, portraying a visceral connection between emotional states and bodily responses. It captures a moment where the narrator's mind is so consumed by emotion that basic acts like breathing become a reminder of life’s fragile, fleeting nature.

"I have to remind myself to breathe -- almost to remind my heart to beat!"