Literary notes about Among (AI summary)
In literature, the word “among” functions as a versatile connector that locates an item or person within a larger group or setting, often imbuing the narrative with nuance about relationships or distribution. For instance, in [1] the phrase “among my father’s papers” situates a letter within a collection of documents, while [2] uses “among” to denote the division of spoils among conquerors. Its usage spans contexts—from highlighting prominence, as in [3] where the best works are singled out, to reinforcing collective identity, as when characters are portrayed as standing united [4] or integrated within communities [5] and [6]. Even in religious or philosophical texts such as [7] and [8], “among” underscores inclusion and the distribution of roles or attributes, revealing its adaptability across genres and styles.
- Among my father’s papers I found a letter from Liudgert the Geertman.
— from The Oera Linda Book, from a Manuscript of the Thirteenth Century - If Narvaez was killed or taken prisoner, and his army defeated, all the gold and the townships of New Spain were to be divided among the three.
— from The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) by Bernal Díaz del Castillo - Among the best of his works, besides the two mentioned above, are Beauchamp's Career (1876) and The Egoist (1879).
— from English Literature by William J. Long - Not one of them dared to remain sitting, but all stood up as he came among them.
— from The Iliad by Homer - The little church is packed in among great modern stores and houses, and the windows of them were full of people.
— from What Is Man? and Other Essays by Mark Twain - Miserable and disconsolate, he wandered about among the many tents, only to find that one place was as cold as another.
— from The call of the wild by Jack London - And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - He will accept of the sacrifice that shall be offered in every place among the Gentiles.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete