Meaning: The quote "What I do and what I dream include thee, as the wine must taste of its own grapes" is from the poem "Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a prominent Victorian poet. This line encapsulates the theme of love and unity, expressing the idea that the speaker's actions and aspirations are intertwined with the presence of their beloved, much like how wine inherently embodies the essence of its own grapes.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning is celebrated for her exploration of themes such as love, spirituality, and social justice, and "Sonnets from the Portuguese" is considered one of her most famous works. The collection of 44 sonnets was written during her courtship with fellow poet Robert Browning and was published in 1850. The sequence of sonnets expresses her deep love for Browning and her personal journey of self-discovery and emotional vulnerability.

In the quoted line, Browning uses a metaphor to liken the connection between her actions and dreams to the inseparable relationship between wine and its grapes. This comparison emphasizes the essential nature of the beloved's presence in her life, suggesting that her thoughts, aspirations, and endeavors are fundamentally intertwined with the influence and essence of her beloved.

The use of the metaphor of wine and grapes is significant in conveying the depth of this connection. Just as wine naturally carries the flavors, aromas, and characteristics of the grapes from which it is made, the speaker's life and dreams are inherently infused with the essence of their beloved. This metaphor also implies a sense of inevitability and completeness in the union of the two individuals, highlighting the inextricable bond that exists between them.

Furthermore, the quote reflects the idea of unity and symbiosis in a loving relationship. Browning portrays the intertwining of her own thoughts and actions with those of her beloved, suggesting a harmonious blending of individual identities. This intertwining represents a deep level of emotional and spiritual connection, where the speaker's existence becomes intertwined with the presence of her beloved, shaping her thoughts, dreams, and actions.

In addition to the romantic implications, the quote also carries broader philosophical and existential meanings. It speaks to the idea of interconnectedness and interdependence, highlighting the ways in which individuals can become deeply intertwined with each other, influencing and shaping each other's lives in profound ways.

Overall, the quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnets from the Portuguese" encapsulates the profound depth of love and unity, employing a powerful metaphor to convey the inseparable connection between the speaker's actions and dreams and the presence of their beloved. Through this line, Browning captures the essence of a deeply intertwined and symbiotic relationship, where the individual's existence becomes imbued with the essence of their beloved, creating a sense of completeness and unity.