Emmeline didn't call me anything. She didn't need, for I was always there. You only need names for the absent

Emmeline didn't call me anything. She didn't need, for I was always there. You only need names for the absent

In the novel "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield, the quote "Emmeline didn't call me anything. She didn't need, for I was always there. You only need names for the absent" holds a significant meaning in the context of the story. The quote reflects the deep bond between the characters of Emmeline and the narrator, and the idea that names are only necessary when someone is not present.

Throughout the novel, the relationship between Emmeline and the narrator is portrayed as one of profound connection and understanding. The narrator, who remains unnamed throughout the story, is a mysterious figure who has always been by Emmeline's side, offering her comfort and companionship. Emmeline doesn't need to call the narrator by a name because their bond transcends the need for labels or titles. The narrator is always there, a constant presence in Emmeline's life, providing her with the support and love she needs.

The idea that names are only needed for the absent is a poignant reflection on the nature of relationships and the importance of presence. In the novel, many characters are haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, by the absence of loved ones who have passed away or disappeared. Names become a way to remember and honor those who are no longer with us, a way to keep their memory alive. But for Emmeline and the narrator, there is no need for names because they are always together, always present in each other's lives.

The quote also speaks to the theme of identity and the ways in which we define ourselves through our relationships with others. The narrator's lack of a name symbolizes their lack of a distinct identity, their existence solely defined by their connection to Emmeline. In a way, the narrator becomes a reflection of Emmeline, a mirror image of her own thoughts and feelings. Their bond is so strong that names become irrelevant, unnecessary in the face of their deep connection.

Overall, the quote "Emmeline didn't call me anything. She didn't need, for I was always there. You only need names for the absent" encapsulates the complex and intimate relationship between Emmeline and the narrator in "The Thirteenth Tale". It highlights the power of presence, the significance of companionship, and the ways in which we define ourselves through our connections to others.