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Literary notes about Finding (AI summary)

In these examples, “finding” often conveys both the act of discovery and the notion of grasping something—tangible or intangible—through effort or circumstance. In Dewey’s philosophy, it embodies valuing something “for its own sake” [1], whereas in Sherman’s memoirs, it refers to verifying physical realities, such as “finding the high trestles all secure” [2]. Other writers use “finding” to mark pivotal moments of realization or surprise, be it the discovery of an idol in a folk tale [3] or a sudden opportunity observed by a watchful character [4]. Throughout these varied contexts—whether it is Toad frantically looking for a stone to throw [5] or Catherine sitting in conversation [6]—“finding” underscores the dynamic interplay of search, recognition, and meaning in literature.
  1. On the one hand, it denotes the attitude of prizing a thing finding it worth while, for its own sake, or intrinsically.
    — from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey
  2. Rousseau's Legion forded the stream and marched up to the State Camp of Instruction, finding the high trestles all secure.
    — from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman
  3. The next day the second youth comes alone to the place, and, finding the image, he paints it fair with the five colors, and goes his way.
    — from Filipino Popular Tales
  4. “For a long time I watched without finding an opportunity.
    — from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
  5. Toad looked about for a stone to throw at him, but could not succeed in finding one, which vexed him more than anything.
    — from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  6. “Then why do you stay away so long?” replied Catherine—finding that he waited for an answer.
    — from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

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