Literary notes about EXODUS (AI summary)
The term "exodus" in literature is remarkably versatile, functioning as both a direct reference to the biblical liberation of the Israelites and a metaphor for various kinds of mass departures. In its literal sense, authors invoke the biblical account to evoke themes of salvation and transformation, as seen in passages like the exhortation of Moses and the narrative recitations of biblical texts ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, "exodus" has been repurposed to capture the dramatic movement of populations, such as the mass migrations described in historical analyses of Norwegian emigration ([4], [5], [6], [7], [8]) and metaphorically to represent any significant or organized departure—from the controlled mobilizations in political contexts ([9], [10]) to even the more whimsical or cautionary uses in gothic literature ([11]). This rich layering of meanings underscores how the word has transcended its original religious context to become a potent symbol of change and transition across diverse literary genres.
- As Moses said, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14.13). Finis.
— from Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mary White Rowlandson - [ This permission of redeeming this penalty with money is not in our copies, Exodus 21:24, 25; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21.]
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.—Exodus ii, 1-10.
— from The Doré Bible Gallery, Complete - In 1880 this number had reached 440,262; while the unprecedented exodus of 1882 and the following years had by 1890 brought the number up to 933,249.
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - The year 1836 inaugurated this change, while in 1837 there was something approaching an exodus from certain localities in Western Norway.
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - What are the causes that have brought about the exodus from Norway and in general from the Scandinavian countries in the 19th century?
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - At the same time it is to be observed that Hardanger had contributed its quota of immigrants in the exodus of 1836.
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - There had been a considerable exodus in 1839 from Numedal and Telemarken.
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - Their exodus will have no resemblance to a flight, for it will be a well-regulated movement under control of public opinion.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl - Thus the exodus will be at the same time an ascent of the class.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl - Last night there was no exodus, so to-night before the sundown I took away my garlic and other things.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker