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Literary notes about Grotto (AI summary)

Literary works employ the word "grotto" in a variety of ways that extend its meaning well beyond a simple geological formation. In some narratives, a grotto functions as a secret or intimate refuge—a hidden retreat where characters experience moments of transformation or sensual intrigue, as seen when it is affectionately referred to in a Victorian romance [1, 2]. In adventure and mystery tales, such as those by Dumas or Verne, the grotto becomes an essential waypoint and a labyrinthine setting that both shelters and challenges the protagonists [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Meanwhile, travelogues and historical reflections often depict grottos as naturally enchanting and symbolic spaces, evoking a sense of awe and sublime beauty in their secluded, shadowed recesses [8, 9]. This flexible use of "grotto" allows it to serve various narrative purposes—setting the stage for secret rendezvous, dangerous encounters, or moments of introspection—all while maintaining its evocative connection to mystery and the natural world [10, 11].
  1. I then also remarked the peculiar odour of breath, but pretending ignorance, I begged to know what had happened to my darling little grotto.
    — from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous
  2. He insisted that he was quite unconscious of his mistake, and that he believed himself buried in the delicious grotto of the night before.
    — from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous
  3. “This man, who was hastening towards the wood, was already three-quarters of the way on the road from the grotto to the forest.
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  4. At last, after renewed hesitation, Dantès entered the second grotto.
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  5. As he came within two or three hundred paces of the grotto, he thought he heard a cry.
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  6. ‘Go into the grotto and dress yourself.’
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  7. The grotto was a vast and magnificent hall.
    — from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
  8. The slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem was done in a grotto; the Saviour was born in a grotto—both are shown to pilgrims yet.
    — from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
  9. And thus the wonderful Blue Grotto is suggested to me.
    — from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
  10. For twenty years I occupied a secret grotto, meditating eighteen hours a day.
    — from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
  11. Save what is gold, doth every part display A fissure dripping tears; these, gathering all Together, through the grotto pierce a way.
    — from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri

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