People tend to experience feelings through their hearts, as Ellen explains. When someone causes emotional pain or destruction, it can diminish their ability to feel compassion or love for that person anymore. This idea reflects how emotional wounds can create barriers to empathy and affect our connections with others.
In the context of Wuthering Heights, the quote underscores the deep internal impact of betrayal or hurt. Once one’s heart is damaged, it becomes difficult to continue feeling the same way. The emotional devastation leaves a lasting mark, preventing genuine feelings from returning towards the person who caused the pain.