Literary notes about Allow (AI summary)
The term “allow” serves as a versatile modal verb in literature, often conveying permission, restraint, or invitation to act. In some works it authorizes actions or decisions, as when a forceful narrative voice commands that forces be permitted to operate without restraint [1] or when a character requests polite access with phrases like “allow me” [2, 3]. At times, it underscores internal resolve or the lack thereof, such as when a protagonist refrains from letting emotions dictate behavior [4] or narrowly controls his actions in the face of external pressures [5]. Thus, its usage enriches dialogue and narrative by evoking both social etiquette and personal limitation, serving as a subtle marker of power dynamics and the spacing between command and concession.
- Allow that it may assail demagogues and factions, men injurious to the commonwealth—a Cleon, a Cleophon, a Hyperbolus.
— from The City of God, Volume I by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - "Pray allow me the pleasure of accompanying you.
— from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - Allow me, Sir, to introduce my sister—quite one of us Sir, although of the weaker sex—of great use in my business Sir, I assure you.
— from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens - I did not allow my resolution, with respect to the Parliamentary Debates, to cool.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - 'I won't,' said the inexhaustible baby, '—allow—you—to—make—game—of—my—venerable—Ma.'
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
