Skip to content

Empty Quote by George Eliot

“Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them: they can be injured by us, they can be wounded; they know all our penitence, all our aching sense that their place is empty, all the kisses we bestow on the smallest relic of their presence.” quote by George Eliot
Download Open image
“Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them: they can be injured by us, they can be wounded; they know all our penitence, all our aching sense that their place is empty, all the kisses we bestow on the smallest relic of their presence.”

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Novel: Middlemarch, 1871

Remembers that the dead live on in memory and rituals, urging reverence and remembrance.

In simple terms: Never forget those who have passed.

Key Takeaway

Honor memories of loved ones.

Themes

memory grief legacy

Mood

somber nostalgic

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • Mourning
  • family traditions

Key Concepts

Literature psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you keep memories alive health?
  • What rituals help you cope with loss?
A Different Perspective

Memories can cause lingering pain if not processed.

3.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by George Eliot

Explore all 1,492 George Eliot quotes

More Empty quotes

Browse all 3,081 Empty quotes