Literary notes about Contained (AI summary)
The word "contained" in literature is used in both a literal and metaphorical sense to denote that something is held within certain limits or structures. Often, authors describe physical spaces or objects—for instance, a well holding a particular liquid [1], a room furnishing its various pieces of furniture [2], or a library encompassing volumes [3, 4]. At the same time, "contained" conveys abstraction, as in Mark Twain’s subtle portrayal of an effort to restrain emotion [5] or as a means to encapsulate underlying ideas and themes in philosophical and theoretical works [6, 7]. This dual use—referring to both tangible contents and intangible qualities—demonstrates the term’s versatility in enriching narrative details and conceptual depth across genres.
- And next day he hastened to the well to taste the liquor it contained; but he found nothing but malt and water; not a drop of beer was there.
— from Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore - The sitting-room contained, besides the armchair, two other chairs, a piano, a three-legged table, and a cosy corner.
— from Howards End by E. M. Forster - The Serapeum at Alexandria, which contained the famous library, is described by Ammianus , xxii.
— from The Anabasis of Alexander by Arrian - His writings are contained in nine volumes, published after his death, but his fame rests most upon the three volumes forming his treatise on "War.
— from On War by Carl von Clausewitz - By an effort, I contained my joy when Clarence brought me the news.
— from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain - This then must be possible, as well as its object, since it is contained in the command to promote the latter.
— from The Critique of Practical Reason by Immanuel Kant - Whether they succeed one another in the object also, is a second point for reflection, which was not contained in the former.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
