Literary notes about Concierge (AI summary)
Literary portrayals of the concierge reveal a multifaceted character who often acts as both guardian and informant. In some narratives, the concierge dispenses essential directions and unlocks secret facets of a household, guiding characters through physical and metaphorical corridors ([1], [2], [3]). In works by Dumas and his contemporaries, the figure emerges as an arbiter of social order—a keeper of hidden histories and occasional confidante whose remarks shape pivotal moments in the story ([4], [5], [6]). At other times, the concierge assumes a humorous or ironic tone, embodying a mix of authority and eccentricity that both aids and bemuses the protagonists ([7], [8], [9]). This diverse employment of the term attests to its rich resonance as a symbol of service, secrecy, and social stratification.
- The concierge told me to go up to the first floor, the left-hand door; that led to madame’s apartment.
— from My Neighbor Raymond (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XI) by Paul de Kock - “Here is the kitchen,” said the concierge, “and here are the dining-room and the drawing-room.”
— from Monsieur Bergeret in Paris by Anatole France - A small door, close to the lodge of the concierge , gave ingress and egress to the servants and masters when they were on foot.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “This dungeon,” said the concierge, “was, it appears, some time ago occupied by a very dangerous prisoner, the more so since he was full of industry.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The concierge closed the door, leaving Madame Danglars in the street.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The Marquis de Saint-Méran, I think, the concierge said.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Clotilde, 'Down with the cows!'—meaning the police, sir," said the concierge.
— from Arsene Lupin by Maurice Leblanc - “Why, you know perfectly well, I’m the concierge; my name is Mother Veuvain.”
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - Imitation of the landlord by the concierge threatening to toss me out. . . .
— from Bliss, and other stories by Katherine Mansfield
