Literary notes about Compact (AI summary)
The word "compact" reveals its versatility in literature by shifting seamlessly between physical description and the idea of binding agreement. In many works, it evokes images of density and solidity—whether describing a fabric that stitches easily ([1]), the firm formation of a body ([2], [3]), or the tightly grouped construction of an object ([4], [5]). In other contexts, "compact" takes on the weight of a pledge or arrangement, as in the binding social pact that restructures society ([6]), the marital accord historically imposed without consultation ([7]), or the solemn promises between individuals ([8], [9]). This duality, from the literal and tangible to the metaphorical and figurative, underscores the richness of the term as it delineates cohesion and commitment across diverse literary landscapes ([10], [11]).
- Even the latter are quite serviceable, and in spite of their being comparatively thick will stitch compact cloth easily.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - Just long, soot–colored undulations with crests so compact they didn't foam.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas: An Underwater Tour of the World by Jules Verne - Presently the pickaxe attacked this compact matter vigorously, and large blocks were detached from the mass.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - The pillared mansion, high, compact, Must fall by Time's strong hand attacked; So mortal men, the gradual prey Of old and ruthless death, decay.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Nothing in insect movements is more striking than the rapid march of these large and compact bodies.
— from Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll - [Pg 523] than an entire subversion of the present order of society, a dissolution of the whole existing social compact?
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - Woman never has been consulted; her wish never has been taken into consideration as regards the terms of the marriage compact.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - But between them was the compact of his flesh with hers, in the hand-clasp.
— from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence - That done, she once more reminded him of their compact and gaily parted from him.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - It would probably occur to him, that he would be likely to find the precautions he was in search of in the primitive compact between the States.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - Friendship is a compact in which one fairly shares defects and merits.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
