The writer who possesses the creative gift owns something of which he is not always master - something that, at times, strangely wills and works for itself.

I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.

I can live alone, if self-respect, and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.

Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last.

The vehemence of emotion, stirred by grief and love within me, was claiming mastery, and struggling for full sway; and asserting a right to predominate: to overcome, to live, rise, and reign at last; yes,--and to speak.

I wished critics would judge me as an author, not as a woman.

Mr. Rochester, if ever I did a good deed in my life — if ever I thought a good thought—if ever I prayed a sincere and blameless prayer — if ever I wished a righteous wish — I am rewarded now. To be your wife is, for me, to be as happy as I can be on earth.