Literary notes about Follow (AI summary)
The term "follow" is used with remarkable versatility throughout literature. In some works it literally signals physical movement or pursuit—as when a character commands, "Now follow me, and we shall soon know all" [1], or simply directs someone to proceed down a path [2]. At other times, it carries a metaphorical weight, indicating an inevitable consequence or natural progression, as seen in references to events that must unfold in a particular order [3] and in logical or moral sequences [4]. Moreover, "follow" can underscore a sense of allegiance or conformity, whether in the context of a leader’s influence, such as being compelled to follow a great chief [5], or as a symbolic act of trust and commitment, as in the call by Jesus to his disciples to follow him [6]. This varied application across genres and eras underscores the enduring resonance of the word in capturing both literal and figurative forms of movement, conformity, and consequence in literature.
- Now follow me, and we shall soon know all.”
— from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - “Follow me through this passage, then, that I may dismiss thee by the postern.”
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - It will, of course, naturally follow in our track, and will serve to guide and refresh us."
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - If there is danger that harm to another will follow, the act is generally wrong in the sense of the law.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name was Sir Hemison, and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete