I have little left in myself – I must have you. The world may laugh – may call me absurd, selfish – but it does not signify. My very soul demands you: it will be satisfied, or it will take deadly vengeance on its frame.

– Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre, Chapter 37. This romantic speech by Rochester to Jane, telling her how he cannot be without her, is why he is so many people’s favorite tortured hero. During their very emotional reunion he is full of passionate intensity in his desire for Jane.