In Joyce Carol Oates' "A Fair Maiden," the term "heimweh" captures an intense form of homesickness that extends beyond a mere longing for home. It embodies a deeper yearning for a past self or lost identity, suggesting that this feeling can be as intoxicating and overwhelming as a drug. The protagonist experiences a profound sense of nostalgia and connection upon seeing Katya, indicating that the emotions tied to longing can illuminate...