Literary notes about Consul (AI summary)
The word "consul" in literature serves as a multifaceted emblem of political power and institutional authority, richly evoking the grandeur of ancient Rome while also adapting to modern diplomatic contexts. Classical writers such as Livy and Cassius Dio depict the consul as a pivotal magistrate responsible for military command and civic governance, often bearing the weight of critical decisions in times of conflict and triumph ([1], [2], [3]). In some narratives, the term is employed with irony or satire, as when an emperor’s caprice turns a horse into a consul or when the title becomes part of dramatic rhetoric in debates and poetic musings ([4], [5], [6]). Beyond its historical context, the role is also reimagined in modern literature to denote diplomatic representatives managing international affairs or serving as symbolic figures in personal recollections ([7], [8], [9]). This enduring usage highlights how "consul" encapsulates both the authoritative spirit of Rome and its evolving connotations in cultural and political discourse.
- Being ordered to attend [Pg 139] on the following day in arms at the consul's gate, they retire to their homes.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - The consul led out his army against the enemy, and pitched his camp at a little distance from them.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - They would have captured the town but for the fact that the consul was wounded and the soldiers were wholly engrossed in caring for him.
— from Dio's Rome, Volume 1 by Cassius Dio Cocceianus - We should by this, to all our lamentation, If he had gone forth consul, found it so.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Caligula made a horse a consul; Charles II.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - 'Tis thought That Marcius shall be consul.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Dr. Clark was in Washington recently, applying for a place as United States consul abroad.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - Consul said Japan desired coaling station, freedom to trade and build railways.
— from The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by James H. Blount - "Six weeks ago, at the American consul's, in Paris; a very quiet wedding, of course, for even in our happiness we didn't forget dear little Beth."
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott