Literary notes about Described (AI summary)
In literature the term "described" serves as a versatile tool that both conveys vivid imagery and ensures clarity in recounting events, settings, or characters. Often, it is used to present detailed accounts—whether illustrating the elegant simplicity of early narratives as in Helen Keller’s work ([1]) or the specific methodologies in scientific or historical texts like those by Darwin and Gibbon ([2], [3]). Authors employ the term to bridge subjective observation with precise exposition, as seen when Homer’s epic settings are recounted ([4], [5]), or when character traits are succinctly captured, such as Philip K. Dick’s portrayal of a brainless man ([6]). In technical descriptions and ritualistic ceremonies, "described" acts as a marker of systematic detail and authenticity, appearing in works ranging from works on folklore and myth ([7], [8]) to encyclopedic or journalistic accounts ([9], [10]). Overall, the word functions as an essential narrative device that enables writers to layer complexity, realism, and emotion throughout their texts.
- Of course, in the beginning it was necessary that the things described should be familiar and interesting, and the English pure and simple.
— from The Story of My Life by Helen Keller - The laughter of the gods is described by Homer as "the exuberance of their celestial joy after their daily banquet."
— from The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin - Note 35 ( return ) [ The face of the country, and the hardiness of Stilicho, are finely described, (de Bell.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - The palace and gardens of Alcinous described.
— from The Odyssey by Homer - The disposition of the ships, which were drawn upon dry land, and the posts of Ajax and Achilles, are very clearly described by Homer.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - He was soon described as: … totally lacking in brains.
— from The Eyes Have It by Philip K. Dick - But nowhere in Indian legend or folklore do we find any special dishonour put upon woman such as is described in the Hebrew story.
— from Demonology and Devil-lore by Moncure Daniel Conway - 143 The ceremony called Mĕngalin , or the “sucking charm” ceremony, is one which is very curious, and deserves to be described in some detail.
— from Malay Magic by Walter William Skeat - In my former book I explained the causes of the second war between Rome and Carthage; and described Hannibal’s invasion of Italy, B.C. 220-216.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - In the North Arcot Manual the Tolagaris are described as a small [ 173 ] cultivating caste, who were formerly hunters, like the Pālayakkārans.
— from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
